Ben Adebisi
Oyekunle

Ben was born on May 1, 1952, in Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria, as a prince of Ika-Orangun. His father, His Royal Majesty Oba Abraham Iwaloye Oyekunle, was the traditional ruler of the community, and passed in 1974. His mother, Queen Dorcas Subulade Oyekunle, was a businesswoman of great character who passed in 1980. Ben completed his primary, secondary, and A-level studies in Ghana — consistently a top student wherever he went.

In 1972, Ben earned competitive scholarships to pursue two degrees simultaneously at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology — graduating in 1976 with distinctions in Electrical Engineering and Management. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Computer Engineering from McGill University (1977) and a Master of Science in Computer Software Engineering from Columbia University (1978). Later in life, Ben returned to the classroom as a student once more, completing a Master of Arts in Teaching from Clark University in 2013.

Ben built an illustrious career in software engineering across companies in financial services and telecommunications, earning a reputation as a meticulous and creative problem-solver. In the later years of his career, he turned toward education, teaching mathematics in Worcester Public Schools. He retired in 2023 to focus on his family and his faith.

In 2005, Ben and his wife, Pastor Bukola T. Oyekunle, co-founded Cross of Light Ministry in Worcester — a church rooted in community, prayer, and the Word. He was ordained as a pastor in 2010 and went on to found the Bethel Bible Institute, a ministry dedicated to deep biblical education. His faith was not ceremonial; it shaped how he lived every day.

Ben was a devoted Boston Celtics fan. He played tennis, followed soccer passionately as a loyal Arsenal supporter, and could spend an afternoon in equal joy watching Jeopardy, 60 Minutes, or a Premier League match. His musical taste was wide: gospel, Kenny Rogers, Bob Marley, Herbie Hancock — he made room for all of it. He was a man of genuine curiosity, and his humor and warmth were constants to everyone who knew him.