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Tag: celestial church

  • Drama in Celestial church as founder’s son disrupts service over multi-million naira donation

    Drama in Celestial church as founder’s son disrupts service over multi-million naira donation

    A major crisis recently hit the Celestial Church of Christ, Acts of Apostle Parish in Ketu, Alapere, Lagos, following a five million donation by the church authorities.

    The crisis recently escalated when the founder’s son, Muyiwa Oluponna, disrupted the church service to assert himself as the church’s shepherd.

    According to eyewitnesses, Oluponna stormed the church during acting Shepherd Adetayo Adetola mid-sermon, snatching the microphone and declaring his right to deliver sermons every second Sunday of the month.

    The video that surfaced on social media captured the moment heated argument ensued between Oluponna and church members.

    In response, the church’s task force, led by Akinbode Adjovi, shut down the parish for 40 days to restore order.

    Adetola recounted the disruption, alleging that Oluponna demanded the N5m earmarked for church renovations and clergy housing be handed over to his family.

    “That Sunday, our shepherd was not around and I was put in charge of the church. I was also assigned to give the sermon. We started the service and everything was going well until he (Oluponna) snatched the microphone from me, demanding to speak.

    “I respected him and gave him the microphone because I knew him as a family member of the church founder. Immediately he collected the microphone, he said the N5m given to the church by the headquarters for renovation does not belong to the church but to the family of Oluponna who founded the church.

    “He also demanded that money be given to the family, insisting that the church belongs to the family and not the community or the CCC authorities.

    “He also demanded that he be made the church shepherd and be allowed to give sermons every second Sunday of the month. We all kept quiet until he finished.

    “After that, I took over to deliver the sermon, but to everybody’s surprise, he came back and snatched another microphone from one of the choristers and came to the pulpit to give the sermon. That was when we all resisted him”, Adetola said.

    Shepherd Emmanuel Iperepolu also accused Oluponna of repeated threats and confrontations, which he believes escalated after the donation was announced.

    “He has been causing trouble and demanding the money, claiming the church belongs to his family. The authorities and police are now involved,” Iperepolu stated.

    Confirming, the incident, Head of Media and Publicity for the CCC,  Kayode Ajala said the temporary closure of the church to prevent further violence.

    “The church is a house of God but when things are going wrong and people’s lives are being threatened we have to do something.

    “The church authorities cannot fold their arms and allow people to get killed; we have to intervene and this is why we shut down the church temporarily, while investigation is going on.

    “All those involved in the conflict are being talked to and resolution is going on and once all that is done, the church will be reopened,” Ajala said.

  • One of the abducted Celestial Church members in Ogun state regains freedom

    One of the abducted Celestial Church members in Ogun state regains freedom

    The Ogun State Police Command on Saturday evening said that one of the two members of the Celestial Church of Christ, Oriyarin Parish, Mowe in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the state, Oladapo Oluwaseyifunmi, who was kidnapped on Thursday, has been set free.

    It would be recalled that the police two days ago confirmed the abduction of Seyifunmi and Oluboboye Abiola who were kidnapped from the church when some gunmen invaded the worship place.

    However, the police through its X platform Revealed that one of the kidnapped members have been set free.

    Police spokesman in the state, Omolola Odutola, wgo made the tweet said “report at my disposal 28/3/2024 at about reveals that unidentified gunmen, invaded a Celestial Church around Oriyarin village, Mowe and abducted one Oladapo Seyifunmi, Oluboboye Abiola, and escaped through the thick forest behind the Church”.

    Also on the command’s Facebook page, on Saturday, the command’s publicist announced that one of the two kidnapped worshippers had been freed.

    She said, “We are pleased to inform members of the public that one Oladapo Oluwaseyifunmi, Shepherd of the Celestial Church kidnapped, has been rescued through the relentless combing of the forest by policemen, hunters, VGN, Amotekun. He has been reunited with his family”.

    The police are yet to comment on the second abducted member.

  • Despite denial, Portable performs at Celestial Church praise night  

    Despite denial, Portable performs at Celestial Church praise night  

     Controversial Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okiola popularly known as portable sparked a buzz on social media as he finally attended a Celestial church, performing his hit songs.

    In a viral video, the controversial singer was seen passionately singing, surrounded by individuals dressed in white costumes in a Celestial church.

    This follows weeks after his invitation to perform at a program in a Celestial church alongside Fuji musician Pasuma.

    While it remains unclear if it was the same church where Portable performed.

    Recall that after criticism by Nigerians, about the choice of entertainers for celestial praise night, the Celestial Church of Christ International Headquarters in Ketu, Lagos State has taken swift action to remove Fuji singers Pasuma and Portable from an upcoming praise night event at one of its branches.

    The controversy erupted when a promotional flyer featuring Pasuma and Portable circulated widely on social media, sparking criticism from users. Shepherd-in-charge, Olatosho Oshoffa, addressed the concerns on social media, confirming the removal of the contentious artists from the scheduled celebration.

    In an official statement on his Facebook page, Oshoffa assured Celestians, saying, “Dear Celestians, I have just spoken to the Shepherd in Charge of the above Parish at length. He has promised to make amendments to the posters. He has promised that the said contested artists would NOT come for the Nights.”

  • Portable replies Celestial Church, says he  must perform at Praise Night

    Portable replies Celestial Church, says he  must perform at Praise Night

    Nigerian controversial singer, Habeeb Olalomi Oyegbile popularly known as Portable has said Celestial church of Christ should not judge him by his looks, adding that he is also a son of God.

    He made the statement in a trending video posted on Tiktok.

    The internet went agog earlier after the event flier emerged on social media with popular Fuji singer, Pasuma, May-Shua and Portable listed as invited artists to perform at the celestial church event.

    The development generated controversy as netizens took to different social media platforms to knock the church over its choice of singers.

    The Shepherd-in-charge of the Celestial Church of Christ International Headquarters, Ketu, Olatosho Oshoffa, has since condemned the invitation of the trio.

    Oshoffa, in a post via his Facebook page last week, condemned Portable and Pasuma’s invitation to the church’s praise night stating that he had spoken to the cleric in charge of the parish to make amendments to the posters, adding that the singers would no longer grace the occasion.

    He wrote, “Dear Celestians, I have just spoken to the Shepherd in Charge of the above Parish at length. He has promised to make amendments to the posters.

    “He has promised that the said contested artists would NOT come for the Nights. There is No doubt the said poster is very CONDEMNABLE. God bless CCC. Amen.”

    Portable, however, while reacting to the cancellation of his performance at the event, urged the church not to stop ‘God’s work’.

     

  • Worshippers feared killed as gunmen attack Kogi church

    Worshippers feared killed as gunmen attack Kogi church

    The Police Command in Kogi State on Monday confirmed the killing of two persons in an attack on worshippers in a Church by gunmen at Felele Quarters, Lokoja.

    SP William Ovye-Aya, the Command’s image maker, confirmed the development while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja, adding that several others sustained serious injuries during the attack.

    Ovye-Aya said gunmen had invaded a Celestial Church, “Blood of Jesus Parish,” at Felele quarters, around 8.00. p.m. on Sunday, and opened fire on worshippers, killing two persons and injuring many others.

    “There was a distress call made to our command over the attack, which left two female worshippers dead, and several others injured.

    “On getting the alert, our command quickly deployed a response team to the area with a view to restoring normalcy in the area, and arresting the perpetrators.

    “Although there is no arrest yet, investigations are on to fish out the perpetrators who would face the full wrath of the law.

    “Already, the corpses of the victims of the attack have been deposited at the Morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, where the injured are also being treated,” he said.

    Ovye-Aya, however, called on the public to remain calm, peaceful and go about their normal activities as the Police were on top of the matter.

    The attack was the second in a space of three weeks as another Church was attacked within the same Felele Quarters of Lokoja.

  • Why I fell into trance at Celestial Church – Funke Akindele

    Why I fell into trance at Celestial Church – Funke Akindele

    Popular Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele has revealed why she fell into trance in a viral video at a Celestial Church of Christ.

    On the thanksgiving of her 45th birthday, Funke Akindele danced with members of the church till she was moved into a trance.

    The viral video has generated several reactions and criticism.

    Reacting to critics, Funke backed her action with scriptures, stating she was filled with joy in the presence of the lord.

    She wrote: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11.

    ”The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) SBJ Oshoffa Memorial Cathedral joined me in thanksgiving of my 45th birthday celebration on Sunday 28th August, 2022. I worshipped with the congregation and I can’t quantify the joy I felt worshipping in the Celestial Church of Christ where I am not a stranger.

    ”From there, I joined congregants at the Celestial Church of Christ, Wonderland Cathedral, Jesus Palace, Alaguntan, Iyana Ipaja to celebrate the 2022 edition of the Annual Prophet & Prophetess Anniversary and commit the new year into the hands of the Almighty.

    “I am humbled by the devotion of the body of Christ in Alimosho LGA and draw from their example of stewardship and unwavering faith as I tackle my biggest undertaking yet.

    “My spirit was lifted and I enjoyed every bit of both services. #funkeakindele.”

  • Ogun state police rescues alleged baby thief from lynch mob

    Ogun state police rescues alleged baby thief from lynch mob

    A 35-year-old man, Sakiru Famuyiwa, has been rescued, by the police in Ogun State, from a mob who attempted to lynch him for stealing two children during a church service.

    The suspect and one other at large sneaked into the children department of Celestial Church of Christ situated in Ijeja area of Abeokuta, the state capital during Good Friday Easter service and stole two children who are two and three years old respectively.

     

    But while leading the stolen kids away, a vigilant member of the church sighted them and raised alarm, prompting the congregants to pursue them and apprehended one of them.

     

    The congregants then invited policemen from Ibara divisional headquarters and arrested him.

     

    The police Spokesperson in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday, said the Divisional Police Officer, Ibara Division.

     

    Nasirudeen Oyedele, moblised his men to the scene where the suspect was rescued from angry mob who were about to lynch him.

     

    The commissioner of police, Lanre Bankole, has ordered the transfer of the suspect to anti kidnapping unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for discreet investigation.

     

    He also ordered that the accomplice must be hunted for and brought to book.

  • Celestial church warns members over usage of candle fire after same killed Lagos socialite, Badru

    Celestial church warns members over usage of candle fire after same killed Lagos socialite, Badru

    Following the death of socialite, Kayode Badru who died last week from injuries sustained from candle fire, the Celestial Church of Christ has issued a strong warning to its members on usage of candles and perfumes.

    According to reports, the mishap happened when Mr. Badru was at a special service in a Lagos parish on Monday, last week for a thanksgiving programmed having sponsored several youths to study at the Academy For Innovative Art and Technology (ACIATECH).

    He was said to have lit some candles when a prophet in the church began sprayed perfume on him for blessing.

    His body accidentally caught fire leading to severe burnt from which he died in a hospital two days later.

    In the statement released on Saturday, the Celestial Church blamed the incident on abuse of “spiritual perfumes”.

    The statement read in parts: “Due to the incessant abuse of Spiritual Perfumes within the Church, His Eminence has found it imperative to state for record purposes and correction that henceforth, Spiritual Perfumes intended to be sprayed, sprinkled, or poured with a lighted candle should be diluted with water.

    “The spraying or pouring of undiluted Spiritual Perfumes In its volatile state with a lighted candle is an imported culture not originally part of the tenets of the Celestial Church of Christ. The laid down usage of Spiritual Perfume within the spheres of a lighted candle by the Pastor Founder, Saint SBJ Oshoffa is by mixing it with water. It is high time we retrace our steps for a greater Celestial Church of Christ.

    “We are all advised to adhere to this directive, any Parish or member that goes against this directive will be solely responsible for the resultant effect.

    “The Pastor has also directed the Pastor-in-Council to come up with a policy document to curb alien practices that have been introduced into the Tenets and Doctrines of the Church to safeguard the Church’s divine culture as instructed by the Spirit of God through the Pastor Founder.”

  • N85m fraud: Police arraign Celestial church pastors for allegedly stealing God’s money

    N85m fraud: Police arraign Celestial church pastors for allegedly stealing God’s money

    The Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, on Monday arraigned three Celestial Church of Christ leaders before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over alleged N85m fraud.

    The defendants – John Omotosho aka Jorotom, Boye Olaniyan and Folashade Ogundipe – were arraigned on four counts bordering on conspiracy, obtaining under false pretences and fraud before Justice Ayokunle Faji.

    The defendants, who were arraigned alongside a company, Folafunmi Integrated Limited, were alleged to have defrauded the church’s headquarters at Imeko, Ogun State, of the sum of N85,914,500, under the pretext of using the money for the church’s development.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The offences were said to be contrary to sections 8(a),1(1)(a) and 1(1)(a)&(b)of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

    According to the police prosecutor, C.J. Ijeoma, the defendants issued several Zenith Bank Plc cheques, which were used in withdrawing money from the church’s development project account domiciled with the bank.

    The charges read in part, “That you, John Omotosho, Folashade Ogundipe, Boye Olaniyan and Folafunmi Integrated Limited, between 2006 and 2018, within the Lagos Judicial Division of the court, with an intent to defraud the Celestial Church of Christ, fraudulently obtained the sum of N79,154,500 drawn at different dates in favour of Folashade Ogundipe with cheques from Zenith Bank Plc account number 1010529055, bearing the account name Imeko Cathedral Development Project Committee, under false pretences that you are using the money to develop Celestial Church of Christ, lmeko Cathedral, Ogun State, a representation that you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 1(3) both of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010.”

    Following their pleas, the prosecutor asked for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.

    The presiding judge, Justice Faji, asked the prosecution if the defendants were on administrative bail and if they had jumped the bail before being charged to court.

    Ijeoma, however, told the court that the defendants refused to honour the bail terms and also wrote several petitions against the police.

    Granting the defendants bail, Faji ordered three church members to file an undertaking, affidavit of means and produce a bond of N350,000 for each of the defendants before they would be allowed to go home.

    He said, “These members of the church, Adeosun Israel Oladipo, Assistant Shepherd, CCC, Jerusalem Cathedral, Shasha; Afolabi Tolorunloju and Surakatu John, workers at CCC, Jerusalem Cathedral, Shasha, shall file an undertaking to produce the defendants at the next adjourned date.

    “In view of the issue, church and personalities in the matter, they shall be handed over to the three church members, who will also produce a bond of N350,000 each and a means of identification.”

    The case was adjourned till March 3 for the hearing of the bail applications.

  • Celestial Church members dance to Olamide’s Wo [Video]

    Singing secular music in church is an abnormality that shouldn’t be condoned. A video recently surfaced online where Celestial Church Members were seen dancing recklessly to Olamide’s latest hot single, Wo!

    Olamide’s sound was influenced by the realities of the streets he was raised in. Amazingly, the song has become fan’s favourite.

     

    Watch the video below

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hCt6RmJWRA