The impact of A/M/S/E Iremiren will forever hold a significant place in the history of Celestial members in the USA and beyond. As the first Head of the USA Diocese, his departure on September 29th, 2023 coinciding with the Church’s 76th anniversary celebration marks a momentous occasion. It is an undeniable fact that A/M/S/E Iremiren’s impact played a crucial role in establishing the Church in a Western world where the African Church had no roots.
However, the subject of debate revolves around the ongoing silence from V/S/E Balogun’s faction in acknowledging the departure of this leader and the viral video circulating on various social media platforms. In this video, the late A/M/S/E Iremiren allegedly accuses V/S/E Balogun of praying for his downfall, suggesting that it was a means for Balogun to gain full autonomy in the USA Diocese. To gain a better understanding of the situation, we will carefully examine Balogun’s previous interactions with notable senior clergies and his subsequent distancing after the demise of these respected individuals.
BALOGUN & LATE OTENIGBEGBE.
The name Otenigbegbe holds significant prominence among the senior clergies who were entrusted with the shepherd assignment in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. It has been reported that Late Otenigbegbe had a profound influence on V/S/E Balogun, to become devoted member of Celestial Church. The impact of this late military officer allowed V/S/E Balogun to worship freely at CCC Ire Akari Parish in Lagos. The familial bond between the two grew stronger to the point where Balogun resided under the same roof as Late Otenigbegbe. Before the establishment of CCC Apata Ayeraye by Late Otenigbegbe, V/S/E Balogun relocated to Canada. However, in 2018, when Late Otenigbegbe passed away in Lagos, Nigeria, V/S/E Balogun was noticeably absent during the burial ceremony.
BALOGUN & LATE VSE OLANIYAN.
On August 29, 2023, the world received news of the passing of a highly respected clergyman V/S/E Olaniyan. He was renowned for his work in establishing various parishes in different countries. In the early days of Celestial Church in the USA, specifically in Chicago, Late V/S/E Olaniyan served as the Shepherd of CCC Oshoffa Parish. Under his guidance, the parish flourished in every aspect, with V/S/E Balogun working as his Assistant Shepherd.
Late V/S/E Olaniyan’s leadership qualities became evident during the leadership dispute in the USA Diocese in 2021. His affiliation with V/S/E Olorunnisola became noticable, both sharing a common perspective about the Diocese brought them both into the spotlight. However, when Late V/S/E Olaniyan passed away on August 29, 2023, the Balogun-led faction did not release any official statement to acknowledge his passing. Furthermore, V/S/E Balogun did not attend any of the burial rites held for Late V/S/E Olaniyan.
BALOGUN & LATE AMSE IREMIREN
The recent departure of A/M/S/E Iremiren has sent shockwaves through the Church. As the former head of the USA Diocese, he played a fatherly role in establishing the Church’s independent, operation under USA law.
Late A/M/S/E Iremiren led the Caretaker Committee, appointed by Rev EMF Oshoffa before V/S/E Balogun took over. During a Sunday service at CCC Metropolitan Parish in Washington DC in 2022, V/S/E Balogun addressed a situation involving late A/M/S/E Iremiren, where he failed to show the respect he deserved.
When the Pastor announced the successful settlement of V/S/E Olorunnisola & V/S/E Balogun’s administration, each faction addressed their members to ensure the continuation of their evangelization mission and the spread of Christianity.
On September 29, 2023, when A/M/S/E Iremiren departed from this sinful world to report back to the Creator. Since then, numerous messages of condolences have been written to honor his commitment during his lifetime. While the USA Diocese under the leadership of V/S/E Olorunnisola has acknowledged the departure of this soldier of Christ, unfortunately the USA National Diocese, led by V/S/E Balogun has yet to address the Church regarding the departed soul.
Interestingly, a short video has surfaced online, in which Late A/M/S/E Iremiren expresses his dissatisfaction with VSE Balogun. He claims to have received a spiritual message about the negative impact V/S/E Balogun had on him. However, Late A/M/S/E Iremiren also states that he holds no ill will towards V/S/E Balogun and does not wish to hinder him from fulfilling his duties.
These three examples highlight V/S/E Balogun’s sudden reaction and serve as evidence of his behavioral attitude.
We will wait to see the reaction of V/S/E Balogun to make amendment of future reference.
