The Administration of Celestial Church of Christ under the leadership of Rev EMF Oshoffa is currently facing series of unbalanced forces. This turmoil has now extended to South Africa, where a new Head of Diocese has been appointed without any prior notification or allegations of abuse of office against the existing substantive Head of Diocese.
This is not the first time such situation will occurred. In October 2023, a similar incident took place in Canada, where the Pastor installed a new Head of Diocese despite the presence of a substantive Head already managing the affairs of the Church. Now, the focus has shifted to South Africa, as V/S/E (Prof) Ogunsola discovered his alleged removal from office through a social media platform without any formal notification from the Pastor’s Office.
It is disheartening to note that the same treatment which was meted out to V/S/E Ogunboye in Canada, has now been served to V/S/E (Prof) Ogunsola in South Africa. Both Shepherds received this information through social media platforms despite having regular phone conversations with the Pastor.
It is important to acknowledge the historical significance of Celestial Church of Christ in South Africa. The first parish was established in 1994 during the struggle against the Apartheid regime. The spread of Celestial Church of Christ in the country was sustained through the divine instructions of God, conveyed to V/S/E (Prof) Ogunsola. It was under his guidance that Late Rev A.A Bada received approval to commence Church activities in South Africa.
Since then, the Church has continued to witness the transformation of God’s purpose. From 1994 starting with a single Parish in South Africa, V/S/E (Prof) Ogunsola strengthen the primary principles of God of Celestial to over 32 Parishes in different locations across the country. The arrangement to create a religious framework for the Church in South Africa also caught the attention of V/S/E (Prof) Ogunsola who sought to acquire land for the construction of a school in Johannesburg. The news of the land acquisition was relayed to the Pastor in France last year and he promised to reduce support in order to assist the vision. However, instead of fulfilling this promise and working together with V/S/E (Prof) Ogunsola & his team to achieve the vision, the Pastor unexpectedly turned away through the unwelcomed step.
To compound the confusion within the Church administration, the Pastor was advised to appoint another Head of Diocese, despite V/S/E (Prof) Ogunsola being the duly registered holder of the Church trademark under South African law.
This action by the Pastor clearly indicates that the sole administrator recognized by the South African Government has been asked to leave office, leaving Celestial Church parishes vulnerable to potential sanctions.
Currently, the Pastor has announced V/S/E Balogun to assume office, despite the fact that V/S/E Balogun does not reside in South Africa and lacks the official documents from the South African Government to oversee the affairs of the Church throughout the country.
Similar errors were made when the Pastor announced Oluso Sangogimi as the Head of Diocese in South Africa. The decision resulted in confusion among the shepherds in South Africa, prompting the South African government to threaten a ban on the Church. Only after facing this threat did the Pastor reverse the decision. Unfortunately, it seems that the same mistakes are being repeated without learning from previous experiences.
In light of these recent events, it is crucial for the administration of Celestial Church of Christ to address the concerns raised by the affected individuals. Transparency, open communication and respect for the existing leadership are essential in maintaining the integrity and unity of the Church. It is our hope that a resolution can be reached, ensuring a harmonious conclusion.
