Ven. Francis Olanrewaju Bankole, a devoted servant of God, teacher, evangelist, and administrator, was born on 28th April 1964 in Ilesha, Osun State, and hails from Iyin–Ekiti in Ekiti State to the family of Ch and Mrs. John Bankole, the Elegemo of Oketooro, Iyin-Ekiti, and Bada of St. John’s Cathedral, Iloro, Ilesa.
He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Adenike Bankole, a university lecturer at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti. Their marriage has been a strong spiritual and intellectual partnership, supporting his lifelong mission in ministry. Also, their marriage is blessed with promising and God-fearing children.
Ven. Bankole’s educational journey reflects a commitment to theological depth and academic excellence. He had his primary school education at his home town, L.A. Primary School, IyinEkiti and St John’s Primary School A, Iloro, Ilesa between 1968 and 1976. He attended Ilesha Grammar School from 1976 to 1981 for his secondary education.
He began his clerical formation at Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan, between 1984 and 1987, where he obtained diplomas in Theology (Dip.Th) and Religious Studies (Dip. RS) of the University of Ibadan. He furthered his studies at Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, from 1990 to 1994, where he earned a B.A. (Hons.)in Religious Studies and at the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Church History in 1999.
His theological scholarship continued with a Bachelor’s degree(BTH) in Theology obtained in 2022 from Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta. His academic writings include works on the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses, women’sordination, the Lambeth Resolution of 1988, and the progress of evangelism in Nigeria.
Before his ministerial calling, Francis Olarewaju Bankole hadseveral working experiences which including Teaching at A.U.D. Itagunmodi, Ilesha, OsunState (1981–1983). But following his training at Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan, he was made a Deacon on 26thJuly 1987 at St. Luke’s Church, Ikere-Ekiti, and ordained a Priest on 26th June 1988 at Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesha, Ado-Ekiti.
He was preferred a canon 30TH November, 1998 and as an Archdeacon on 2ndFebruary,2002. He was later inducted as the Dean of The Cathedral Church of Emmanuel Ado-Ekiti on 1st February, 2009. He was the Dean between 2009 and 2023.
Bankole has served the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in various parishes across Ekiti Diocese and beyond:
• St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Emure-Ekiti (1987–1988)
• St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Ise-Ekiti (1988–1989)
• St. James’ Anglican Church, Iworoko-Ekiti (1989–1990)
• St. Luke’s Chapel, Ile Abiye Hospital, Ado-Ekiti (1991–1992)
• All Saints’ Anglican Church, Opopogbooro, Ado-Ekiti(1992–2001)
• St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti (2001–2006)
• St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Emure-Ekiti (2006–2008)
• Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado-Ekiti (Dean) (2008–2022)
• St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Ikere-Ekiti (2022–2023)
• St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Gwarinpa, Abuja (2023–Date)
Through these postings, he has demonstrated remarkable leadership, evangelistic zeal, and commitment to infrastructural growth, overseeing the building and expansion of several churches, vicarages, and diocesan projects. A rugged evangelist and passionate church planter, He has spearheaded the construction of churches and vicarages. Between 2008 and 2022, he distinguished himself as Dean of Emmanuel Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti, where he provided visionary leadership and oversaw significant infrastructural development, including the building of a new Dean’s Lodge, a new cathedral Church and other diocesan projects. His missionary zeal has taken him across Nigeria and internationally, with pilgrimages to Jerusalem, travels to Greece, the UK, the USA, and participation in GAFCON 2018 in Jerusalem.
In 2023, fate took him from Ekiti Diocese to Abuja Diocese, and he was posted to St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Gwarinpa, Abuja where he humbly served till he was elected as the pioneer bishop of Ekiti South Diocese on 18th September, 2025, at the church of Nigeria Standing Committee meeting held at Emmanuel Church Cathedral, Okesha, Ado-Ekiti.
Ven. Bankole has held several leadership roles within the Anglican Communion and the Christian community at large. These include:
• Bishop’s Examining Chaplain, Ekiti Diocese(1996–2023)
• Archbishop’s Examining Chaplain (1995–2001)
• Chairman, Ekiti Diocesan Jesus Carnival (2000–2023)
• Chairman, Ekiti Diocese Camp Ground Projects (2013–2022)
• Chairman, Ekiti Diocesan 50th Anniversary (2016)
• Chairman/Member, Gospel Press Management Board
• Member, Church of Nigeria Provincial Council & Standing Committee (2008–2022)
• Chairman, Ecumenism and Interfaith, CAN Ekiti State (2010–2018)
• Patron, Ekiti State Scripture Union. (2022-2023)
His influence extends beyond church walls, as he has served on hospital boards, school management committees, the Christian Council of Nigeria, and ecumenical organisations. He was also a part-time lecturer at Archbishop Vining College of Theology, Akure (2018–2022) and Abuja Diocese Training centre DTC (2024-Date).
Ven. Francis Olanrewaju Bankole embodies the qualities of a builder, teacher, evangelist, prayer warrior, and administrator. His life and ministry reveal an unwavering dedication to the growth of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria, interfaith dialogue, theological education, and community development.
Through his leadership, evangelistic zeal, and scholarly contributions, he continues to shape the spiritual and ecclesiastical landscape of Nigeria and beyond. Beyond ministry, Ven. F.O. Bankole enjoys football and reading, reflecting his balance of physical vitality and intellectual pursuit
