It is undeniable that the Church leadership under Rev. EMF Oshoffa has been dealing with series of internal crises that have been escalating beyond the Pastor’s control. This has had a significant impact on the modern infrastructure of the Church, hindering the realization of the Pastor Founder’s dream since the foundation was laid in 1981 at Imeko. The administrative management has faced setbacks due to the rejection of policies, leading to a legitimate imbalance in the Pastor’s ability to exercise his pastoral power.
Before the crisis of 2021, the Church was on a path of growth and development. Projects that had been abandoned were being resumed, the Pastor was relocated from Ketu house to Magodo Estate, exotic cars were purchased for the Pastor, the Pastor’s flight was upgraded from economy to business class, his salary was increased by 200%, miscellaneous packages were created for the Pastor, utility bills were paid for the Pastor, utility bills were paid for Pastor Founder House at Ketu, Late Baba house, and Late Baba Ajanlekoko house, and the Pastor’s salary was invested with a return of over 300%.
Despite all the attempts to elevate the Pastor’s status, some individuals tried to overthrow him by challenging the registered Board of Trustees. A State High Court in Ilaro, Ogun State declared Rev EMF Oshoffa as an illegal occupant of the Pastor seat. However, the registered Board of Trustees quickly secured a 3-year stay of execution in favor of the Pastor, thwarting the attempted coup and allowing him to continue leading the Church legally, financially, and morally. However, without thoroughly investigating the accusations against those who had supported the Pastor, he acted on rumours and dissolved the registered Board of Trustees, inadvertently announcing his own dissolution.
Before this historic error, the Pastor sought the help of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, claiming that the Board had neglected him. He also addressed shepherds at Imeko in 2021 to share his side of the story. The former president, a prominent member of the Oshoffa family summoned the registered Board of Trustees, Oshoffa family members, the Pastor, and a few senior Elders to his presidential library on 11th January 2021.
Minutes of 11th January 2021 meeting with the Pastor & registered BOT
During the meeting, many secrets were revealed, shedding light on the care provided to the Pastor by the Board of Trustees. Late Prophetess Deborah Oshoffa offered insights into the crisis and suggested a way forward. The former president posed direct questions to the Pastor, who struggled to provide answers. After a 5-hour discussion, an agreement was reached to draft a memorandum of understanding. The MOU was drafted by the Board secretary, with the former president serving as a witness, along with other board members who signed the MOU. However, the Pastor did not sign the MOU, which ultimately led to the breakdown of a peace meeting. Subsequently, the matter escalated to court litigation at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi.
Before the court matter, the newly inaugurated Pastor in Council, on 27th February 2021, was tasked with addressing the selection of the PIC as outlined in the MOU. In response to inquiries from the congregation, the registered BOT convened a press conference at CCC National Headquarters in Makoko, Lagos State on 6th March 2021, to provide a comprehensive update on the Church’s situation. Where the registered BOT presented documents of payments to the Pastor account and the financial status of the Church.
Letter for meeting by the registered BOT released on the 4th March 2021
On 12th March 2021, the Pastor met with shepherds in Imeko to discuss the ongoing dispute within the Church, but failed to disclose details of the meeting with the former president. Subsequently, the Pastor summoned the PIC to Km 53 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on 27th March 2021, at 1 pm, followed by a meeting with the registered BOT at 3 pm on the same day. However, the Pastor arrived late for the scheduled meetings, which were characterized by chaos. Regrettably, none of the registered BOT members attended the meeting, citing lack of official notification to the Board. Ultimately, it was agreed during the meeting that the PIC would establish a 12-member committee to address the dispute between the Pastor and the registered BOT, with a deadline of 3 weeks to submit their findings.
Picture of the meeting between the Pastor and Shepherds at Imeko 12th March 2021
On 12th April 2021, the registered Board of Trustees (BOT) challenged the majority of the Pastor’s decisions, taking decisive actions without consulting the full Board. In response, the Board issued a 14-day ultimatum for the Pastor to release all financial reports of the Church, warning of potential legal consequences for non-compliance. Demonstrating their loyalty, the newly formed (PIC) convened an emergency meeting on 30th April 2021 to express support for the Pastor in the face of the dissolution of the registered BOT. Subsequently, on 1st May 2021, the PIC granted the Pastor the authority to establish a new BOT in place of the registered BOT. The Pastor then announced the formation of the new BOT on 3rd May 2021, comprising 9 members.
To be continued………….
Let’s have full details