Celestial Church of Chirst at 70:
By Evelyn Usman

Spiritual head of the Celestial Church of Christ worldwide, Reverend Pastor Josiah Owoduni has called on Nigerians to be patient with the Mohammadu Buhari’s led administration , even as he expressed optimism  that things would take their proper position in due course.

Buhari

Rather than complain about the economy and security situation of the country,  he advised Nigerians to  pray for the president in particular and the country at large, noting that only God could  bring the expectations of Nigerians to pass.

He gave the admonition during a press briefing to mark the church’s 70th anniversary , yesterday, at the church’s international headquarters at Ijeshatedo area of Lagos.

While appreciating God for upholding the church and its members since the journey began, the spiritual head however , lamented that along the line,  the Church’s hierarchy acted contrary to the dictate of the Holy Spirit through the  church’s Pastor/ founder, late Samuel Oshoffa.

One of the irregularities that greeted the demise of the founder of the church according to him,  was the disregard  of the church’s constitution on  succession.

Rev  Pastor Owodunni who  pointed out that  Oshoffa appointed his successor before his death,  expressed regrets that : ” when he translated on September 20, 1985 at an Ilepeju private hospital, it became clear that all his preaching about a choice of successor was not going to be respected. What he had provided as the mode and manner for the choice of his successor were thrown to the wings.

The hierarchy allowed flesh to take control of them in making choice. That was the point of departure from the spiritual path which the Pastor/Founder  left for the church. This culminated  into utter misdirection and confusion. The strict doctrine of worshipping God  alone was no longer accorded due importance as it was during the lifetime of Pastor/ Founder.

In fact, cultism was no longer frowned at.

” It is important to note that nowhere did the Pastor / Founder provide that his successor will be a member of his family. In fact, he always made it known to all in the church that he can not bequeath the church to his own family.

However on his death, members of this fold resolved that they will make their own choice on who will be their Pastor , contrary to  the provision in the church’s  constitution which stipulates that the incumbent of the post of Pastor will appoint his own succession. Rather, members faked spiritual messages to impose  their own will on the church” , he said.

The church will hold a  thanksgiving service today  and a special session prayer for the country as it marks its independence ,  at its international headquarters at Ijeshatedo, Lagos