In a Supreme Court Judgement between Late Rev Josiah Owodunni and the Registered Trustees Of Celestial Church Of Christ & Ors- (2000), One of the lead Judges M.E Ogundare Jsc delivered a ruling that unequivocally dismissed the Plaintiff’s objection. The court then proceeded to address the crucial issues raised in the two appeals, beginning with the Plaintiff’s appeal which centered around the question of the Plaintiff’s locus standi to initiate the legal action.
In another Court judgement in 2015, Justice A.O Asenuga of the Ilaro High Court stated that the 1980 Constitution of Celestial Church of Christ had not been validly amended to address the gaps in the Church’s Constitution. The judgment overruled the purported amendment of the CCC Constitution after the passing of the Pastor/Founder, Rev. Prophet S.B.J Oshoffa. Consequently, chaos ensued and factional heads emerged as ‘Pastors’ of the church.”
The above statement clearly defines the position of Celestial Church Pastorship within the context of Nigerian law. The Court focused on the validation of section 111 of the Church Constitution, which resulted in the vacancy of the Pastor’s seat.
All this provisions of the law are imperative in guiding the Taskforce Chairman VSE Adjovi, who recently granted an interview to address the abnormal behavior displayed by certain shepherds/members who misuse the Church’s basic ordinance to justify their actions. The Taskforce Chairman has stated that his committee will initiate a thorough inspection of all parishes, regardless of their faction affiliation, while he also gave a 2 Months time duration for adjustment.
However, it should be noted that the level of factionalization within Celestial Church has exceeded VSE Adjovi’s expectations. He cannot unilaterally issue instructions to other faction members without respecting the provisions set forth by the competent court of jurisdiction.
The Taskforce Chairman addressed the matter of the Church “LOGO” and made a commitment to take action against shepherds who misuse the logo in violation of the Church’s core principles. It is worth noting that the Church Office does not possess the registration certificate for the Church Logo, nor does the registered Board of Trustees (BOT) have it in their possession. Surprisingly, it was Sup/ Evang Oladele Idris Kosoko, also known as the Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom, Badagry, who registered the Church Logo with the Federal Ministry of Trade & Commerce.
The short video released on VSE Adjovi’s official Facebook page highlighted two significant issues. However, it lacked factual evidence to support these claims, which can be addressed through VSE Adjovi’s office. It is imperative for VSE Adjovi to demonstrate courage and urge those in the hierarchy including himself to engage in genuine negotiations with the registered BOT. This will pave the way for substantial improvements in the Church administration, propelling us forward from our current position in the year 2021.
