Peter Owoola, a United Kingdom–based Nigerian gospel singer, is known for crafting songs imbued with heartfelt devotion and scriptural depth. His song “Oloriaye” (translated “The One Who Owns the Heavens and the Earth”) stands out among his repertoire not just for its lyrical excellence but for its providential birth. Contrary to songs penned during formal choir rehearsals, “Oloriaye” emerged unplanned during Owoola’s third year of university while traveling home on a bus, underscoring that worship can occur in any setting. This article examines the moment of inspiration on the bus, its spiritual significance rooted in biblical imagery, and the song’s challenging journey to recording and subsequent reception.
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Moment of Inspiration on the Bus
During his 300-level year at university, Owoola experienced a sudden wave of worship while commuting on a bus, leading to the spontaneous composition of “Oloriaye”. He recalls that even though he had composed numerous pieces before, this particular song “felt different” from the outset. In his own words, “I can be anywhere (on the bus, in my house) and just worship. Worship brings joy, a joy that cannot be explained”. Unlike other songs he crafted for choirs, he “held onto” this one throughout his 300 and 400-level days, recognizing its unique potency. The bus, a commonplace vehicle for many Nigerian students, thus became the unlikely setting for divine inspiration, demonstrating that moments of spiritual encounter need no sacred venue.
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Spiritual Significance and Biblical Foundations
“Oloriaye” reflects Owoola’s intention to acknowledge God’s supreme sovereignty, drawing on biblical passages that describe God as enthroned in heaven with the earth beneath His feet. He cites, “The Bible says God sits in heaven and makes the earth His footstool. Oloriaye is about acknowledging that God is the ruler over all creation”. This theme resonates with Isaiah 66:1 and Psalm 103:19, reinforcing the imagery of divine authority. By embedding such references, Owoola ensured the song would not only be musically engaging but also theologically rich, inviting listeners into awe-inspired reflection on God’s majesty. The spontaneous nature of the song’s birth is thus intertwined with its scriptural grounding, emphasizing that true worship arises from encounters with God’s presence, regardless of time or place.
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Journey to Recording and Reception
Despite receiving “Oloriaye” years earlier, Owoola encountered multiple hurdles when attempting to record it in Nigeria. He recounts, “Every time I tried to record, something would stop it”. These repeated setbacks led him to view the obstacles as evidence of spiritual opposition, stating, “The devil is always interested in what God is interested in. If God has a plan for something, the enemy will try to fight it”. Upon relocating to the UK, however, Owoola “found a team, and this time, everything fell into place”. The eventual recording process affirmed his conviction that “Oloriaye” carried a unique anointing; “every time I sing it, it carries the same anointing, the same power. That’s how I know it is from God”. Since its release, the song has ministered to diverse audiences, illustrating how divine inspiration, once nurtured and professionally produced, can transcend its humble origins and bless a global audience.
Conclusion
“Oloriaye” exemplifies how a moment of spontaneous worship (whether on a university bus or in private devotion) can yield a song of enduring spiritual impact. Anchored in biblical truths and forged through perseverance against recording challenges, Peter Owoola’s anthem reminds listeners that God’s voice can break through mundane circumstances to inspire profound worship. As “Oloriaye” continues to resonate in Nigeria and beyond, its story encourages believers to remain attentive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, trusting that even in ordinary settings, God may birth extraordinary artistry.