It is with a heavy heart that I reflect upon the events that have transpired since your untimely departure one year ago. The situation at hand in the Church remains at an impasse, leaving us yearning for the change and progress that you so passionately advocated for.
In January 2024, both of us had a private discussion where you opened up about the pressure you were feeling from various sources. You shared all the details of the situation and we agreed that you would continue on the path of righteousness and uphold your father’s legacy within the Church. I reminded you of your inspiring words spoken during the Pastor’s birthday celebration in December 2023, urging you to remain thoughtful as always.
On the 3rd of February 2024, I mentioned that we would meet the following week. Then, on 10th February 2024, I visited your shop in Ketu with my respected uncle. Unfortunately, we were informed by your sister Rachel Oshoffa that you were battling malaria and receiving treatment from a doctor. Despite this setback, we went upstairs to check on you, only to be told by two women that you were resting. We left a message for you, unaware that it would be our last encounter. The next update I received was that you had been taken to Benin Republic for advanced treatment. After two weeks, I learned that you had returned to Nigeria and were admitted to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). I was thrilled to hear that you were responding well to treatment and on the fast track to recovery.
An Elder of the Church visited you in the hospital on March 10, 2024 and you excitedly shared that you would be discharged the next day. Then, another Elder spoke with you on March 13, 2024 and you joyfully expressed that God was in control of everything. However, my heart sank when I received a call around 12:15pm, informing me that you had passed away. I couldn’t believe it! I immediately reached out to your siblings and fellow Elders in the Church, only to confirm the devastating news that Prophetess Arewa Deborah Oshoffa had unexpectedly left us.
DEBBIE! A YEAR AFTER YOUR DEPARTURE.
Now, a year has passed and the genuine administrative reforms you tirelessly championed for have yet to be realized. Instead, the system has undergone a facelift that surpasses human imagination, while opportunists continue to exploit the weaknesses of the collapsed system.
I am acutely aware of your unwavering desire to see a church where leaders respect their followers, where shepherds are treated with love and where the authority values the opinions of worshippers. You envisioned a church where the instructions of your father the (Pastor Founder) serve as the guiding light for administrative decisions, where the teachings and doctrines of the Church shape the actions of its parishes and where the interests of the Church will always be the primary principles for everyone.
Debbie, during the birthday celebration of Pastor Rev EMF Oshoffa on the 25th of December 2023 at Imeko, Ogun State, you took the stage and captivated the audience with her powerful words. Known as the Esther of the Oshoffa Dynasty, you rose above factionalization and demonstrated a deep understanding of Celestial Church of Christ. Just like your senior sister, you fearlessly spoke the truth and reminded the congregation of the Founder’s strict warnings against materialism. Your voice resonated with authority, echoing God’s message for the Church.
You respectfully addressed the Pastor with respect and authority. Saying “Pastor, as you are well aware, you hold a senior position within Oshoffa’s and the Church, and we are all bound by the standard rules set forth by our father. However, I must express my concern regarding the recent events. During your 70th Birthday Celebration at this very venue, I witnessed the genuine admiration and respect shown by those who organized and honored you. It was a sight to behold. Yet, today, I find myself questioning the unity among us, Pastor. How can we be certain that the same level of harmony will be present when you celebrate your 80th Birthday? Will you not have path way with people presently like you path way with those who celebrated you at 70”.
Similarly, on the 21st of January 2021, a meeting was convened under the leadership of Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, bringing together the registered Board of Trustees and the Pastor in an effort to facilitate genuine reconciliation within the Church leadership. The meeting also saw the presence of members of the Oshoffa Dynasty. President Olusegun Obasanjo shared his longstanding connection to the Church, dating back to the days of the Pastor Founder, whom he say who a family member. He spoke of his unwavering belief in the prophetic declarations of the Pastor Founder, who had been a guiding force in his life.
President Olusegun Obasanjo posed a simple yet intriguing question: how did Rev SBJ Oshoffa manage the Church so seamlessly, while after his passing, the Church faced numerous management issues? The answer came from late Prophetess Deborah Oshoffa herself, who revealed that her father had kept the family completely separate from the Church during his time. She said the revelation of the family’s separation from the Church shed light on the challenges faced after Rev SBJ Oshoffa passing.
Fast forward to December 25, 2023, and Prophetess Deborah Oshoffa made a bold statement, publicly denouncing the leadership struggles within the Church. She passionately called upon God to intervene and bring resolution to the seemingly unending dispute. Late Prophetess Deborah Oshoffa courageous stance against the leadership tussle showcased her unwavering commitment to the Church’s unity and prosperity.
Debbie! YOU CAME, YOU SAW AND YOU CONQUER.
