By Esther Onyegbula

The life and legacy of gospel musician, educator, and disability advocate Prince Adejugbe Anthony Ademuyiwa were formally documented on Wednesday with the unveiling of his biography, A Symphony of Grace and Favour, at a high-profile event in Lagos marking his 60th birthday.

Co-authored by Dr. Femi Jaiyeola and Barnabas Inumidun Akindele, the newly launched biography chronicles Tony’s royal beginnings in Ikun Akoko, his transformative walk with God, and his remarkable influence as a mathematics teacher, Performer, music teacher, choirmaster, preacher, and tireless advocate for persons living with disabilities. The book captures his journey not only in fact but in tone, revealing a life deeply orchestrated by grace and divine purpose.

One of the intellectual highlights of the day was the review of the book by Professor Albert Oikelome, Head of the Department of Creative Arts and Sound Production at the University of Lagos. In his passionate remarks, he described the work as more than a biography, calling it “a divine composition in book form.” He praised Tony’s life as a symphony of obedience, humility, and purpose, adding that beyond conducting choirs, Tony has conducted his life with spiritual alignment and unwavering integrity. “Every chapter of this book sings,” he declared, to resounding applause.

The official launch of the biography was led by Honourable Ade Adeogun, Tony’s classmate at Oludaye Grammar School in Oba Akoko, Ondo State, and a distinguished former member of Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives. Honourable Adeogun remarked, “This is not a celebration of fame but of faithfulness. Prince Tony’s life shows that you don’t need a spotlight to shine. This book is a roadmap for anyone seeking to live a life of depth, legacy, and service.”

Tony’s elder brother, Prince Felix Adebusuyi Ademuyiwa, delivered an emotional tribute that left many in the audience visibly moved. He described Tony as someone who has sometimes marched to a different rhythm, not in rebellion but in reverence. He spoke of Tony’s disciplined life, devotion to God, and the quiet strength with which he has impacted many lives. “In our family, he is the melody that binds us,” he said, “a song of grace, of faith, of impact. This book captures that beautifully.”

The event was musically rich, with powerful worship from personalities such as Prof. Albert Oikelome, Dr. Grace Olaoluwa, Babajide Odedeji (a.k.a. Aluduru), Dr. Akin Oduntan, a chamber orchestra led by Seun Aborisade, singer Afe Paul, Oluwatosin Dada, and the choir of Apostolic Faith Church, including contingents from Ibadan, Akiode, Ijebu Ode, Faith City, and the WeCA headquarters.

Among the distinguished guests were his ever-supportive wife, Mrs. Anthonia Adejumoke Ademuyiwa, a strong pillar by his side; his old classmates from Oludaye Grammar School, Oba Akoko, Ondo State; Rev. Dotun Ewunmi, Music Director, Apostolic Faith Church WeCA; and many cherished childhood friends, including Dr. Toyin Ajayi, Founder of Preston International School, Akure, and Pastor James Ademuyiwa, Senior Pastor of In His Presence Christ Tabernacle Church.

Family friends, including Madam Florence Agbaje, Seyi Ogundeji, Mr. Tola Bolurin, Madam Arinola Ajayi, and Femi Fakuade, also shared warm reflections, testifying to Tony’s enduring humility, deep spirituality, and unwavering commitment to service.

Tony Ademuyiwa currently serves as the Head of Music Capacity Building for the Apostolic Faith Church. A Symphony of Grace and Favour is now available in both print and digital formats. More than a biography, it serves as a spiritual compass, inspiring readers to embrace lives marked by purpose, service, and quiet impact. It is a legacy in print, echoing Tony’s lifelong message of grace over glamour, impact over popularity, and purpose over applause.