It was with grieving hearts that Biola students, faculty, and staff learned of Chief John Ojeisekhoba’s death on Labor Day, less than 24 hours after he died from cardiac arrest on Aug. 31st, 2025. Chief O was a faithful father, friend and follower of Christ. Led by the Lord’s love, Ojeisekhoba began with Biola Campus Safety 25 years ago, finishing in his position as the Associate Vice President and Chief of Campus Safety. As a former Biola global student, collegiate athlete and Mock Rock participant, Chief O was one of us. The buildings he patrolled were once the hallways he navigated to Bible classes or club meetings. Known for his contagious joy, sense of style, and pursuit of justice, Ojeisekhoba’s life was marked by faithfulness and giving back to his community. While one could say his infectious personality made him a “campus celebrity,” who was Chief O and how will his legacy continue through the lives of Biola faculty, staff and students?
Maija Hipp, a senior psychology major and former self-defense student of Chief O, experienced his caring nature firsthand.
“He was a loving father to all the students here, wanted what’s best for them and wanted them to flourish,” said Hipp.
The legacy of Chief O lives on through the memories of students, faculty and staff on campus. Our Chief was a remarkable servant of Christ, whose impact will never fully be grasped this side of Heaven. However, the stories of students, faculty, and staff offer glimpses of how God used Ojeisekhoba’s faithfulness in a variety of areas at Biola.
CALLED TO PROTECT
Chief O started with Biola Campus Safety in 2000 with a zeal for justice and integrity. From 2000-2025, Ojeisekhoba’s vision and tenacity expanded the team’s capabilities, but still prioritized Christ-like service. His contagious enthusiasm and clear values impacted officers and daily operations.
“His leadership instilled a mission rooted in compassion, service, and integrity—one that prioritized the safety, support, and well-being of every student, faculty member, and member of the broader Biola community,” said Officer Virgil Chavira.
Chief O prioritized faculty well-being. With this came many opportunities for mentorship within the Campus Safety office. Numerous anecdotes from officers and safety staff note the compassion, intentionality, and love the Chief showed for his team. Ojeisekhoba’s holistic approach to caring for his department and campus set him apart as a thoughtful, well-respected leader. With a steady presence, Chief O humbly spoke into the personal and professional lives of his team. From light-hearted jokes with Campus Safety families to intentional conversations with their children, Ojeisekhoba cared deeply for the whole lives of officers, not just their professional lives.
“He consistently made time to encourage, develop, and invest in those he led, leaving a lasting mark on my growth both professionally and personally,” said Campus Safety Manager for Administrative Operations and RADS simulator Jason Camorlinga.
Chief O’s leadership left a lasting impact on the institutional structure and staff within Campus Safety. From his tenures as an officer, Associate Vice President and every position in between, Ojeisekhoba faithfully stewarded each position God placed him in. As seen through the lives and stories of department officials, it is evident that Chief O took his calling seriously and inspired others to do the same. Though his office now sits empty, Ojeisekhoba’s vision of excellence and Christlike justice still shapes the daily service of Campus Safety members. Chief O was truly a remarkable leader in a remarkable department.
A GLOBAL VOICE IN LA MIRADA
Given Chief Ojeisekhoba’s holistic care for his team, it is no surprise that he spoke into students’ lives as well. Specifically, Chief O had a unique relationship with global students. Born and raised in Nigeria, his transition to Biola as a graduate student brought about new experiences, excitement and challenges. For international students, feeling seen can be difficult in new places and cultures. Chief O understood this and was a welcoming presence for Biola’s global community. Freshman and Nigerian student Miracle Toluwalase was encouraged by Ojeisekhoba’s intentionality to connect with him.
“Hearing that there was another Nigerian, I felt seen. After listening to his story, I felt inspired and motivated,” said Toluwalase.
Toluwalase found a friend in Chief O and still holds tightly to Ojeisekhoba’s advice to live “morally upright.” Toluwalase’s experience is evident of the love and care Chief O had for Biola. Ojeisekhoba’s passion for connection and validating global experiences made the cross-cultural transition easier for many students. Toluwalase hopes that the Chief’s legacy of hard work, intelligence and dignity inspires current and future Biolans.
“I hope that we’re able to carry a piece of his memory and that his legacy lives on,” Toulwalase said.
EMPOWERMENT BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Ojeisekhoba not only protected campus, but empowered students to keep themselves safe. Previously taught by the Chief and Veronica Baeza, The Rape Agression Defense System (RADS) self-defense classes and workshops teach female students to be aware and safe in dangerous situations.
“Under Chief O’s leadership, the RADS program equipped hundreds of female students with practical skills to protect themselves, while also building their self-confidence and sharpening their awareness of their surroundings,” said Officer Camorlinga.
Not only was the Chief’s passion for women’s safety apparent, it was personal. As a “girl dad” himself, Chief O understood the dangers young women may face. Ojeisekhoba framed his courses as instructional and encouraging, rather than fear-based or degrading.
“He made self-defense fun and now I can be confident going out into the world,” said Hipp.
The RADS class is a result of Chief O’s love for students and their lifelong being. Officer Veronica Baeza, began assisting with the RADS program in 2010 and saw the heart Ojeisekhoba had for women’s self-defense.
“It brought great joy and pride to Chief O at the conclusion of the class, seeing the physical and mental transformation of the students, knowing that he had provided the students with tools to help keep themselves safe,” Baeza said.
A LASTING IMPACT
The lessons women learn in RADS stay with them post graduation. The words and impacts of influential leaders stay with us too, long after our time with them ends. Whether leaders transition roles or unexpectedly leave, their legacies continue through the lives they have touched. Chief O’s legacy and faithfulness is still making an impact through us as his Biola community. The Holy Spirit will continue to steward the seeds of joy, empowerment, and justice the Chief planted on campus. Until we join hands in Heaven, I pray the Lord draws us closer to Him as we remember and learn from the leadership of Chief Ojeisekhoba.
“We serve a living God, and His love for us is eternal,” Chief O said in a video last spring.
May we, like Chief O, seek to serve the Lord and live through His eternal love. Though we will never be the fashion icon or Mock Rock celebrity the Chief was, I pray his legacy encourages us to draw closer to Christ. May Ojeisekhoba’s style embolden us to be ourselves and his intentionality inspire us to listen deeply. May his dance moves encourage us to enjoy life and his pursuit of justice remind us to care for the marginalized.
Thank you, Lord, for working through your servant Chief Ojeisekhoba. Help his legacy live on through the stories we tell and the lives we lead, ultimately as testaments to you and your faithfulness. Amen.
We invite you to learn more about the impact Chief John Ojeisekhoba had at Biola University. Click here to read personal reflections from Campus Safety members on his life and legacy.
