PROFFER FOR REV EMF OSHOFFA & M/S/E BANJO THROUGH FEDERAL HIGH COURT; IKOYI.

The present state of the Church in term of management/ fractionalization was never the arrangement of God nor the instinct of the Pastor Founder. The Church was established to be the last boat of salvation of the world; while the Pastor Founder invested his entire life & resources to work for the gospel of salvation using Celestial Church of Christ as a foundational step to spread the words of God.

Ever since 1987; the Church as constantly became a regular clients to Nigeria court over leadership tussle; we have expressed our difference to judge’s in the secular world because we failed to understand the basic rudiments of God for the Church. 

It’s a general saying that peace is in the presence of love, sincere mindset and togetherness. The above definition explained our lack of love and togetherness in the christianization world. We have allow materialistic theory to outshine our primary assignment as a Celestian member.

The unexpected dispute that led to the dissolution of the registered BOT which the Pastor is a member as pushed us to an open ground for public discussion; the unfriendly event as shoulder down our path of development; while some element as built on the negative reaction to gain position in the Church. After the dissolution of the registered BOT; a court case was filed by the member of the board at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi under his Lordship Justice Peter Ifiu asking for legal clarification on the matter.

 During the hearing of the court on ( Tuesday 21th of March 2023); the lead counsel to the Pastor; Barrister Obafemi Adewale submitted a letter through the register of the court to Justice Peter Ifiu seeking his authority to appoint a “ MEDIATOR” for both parties to mediate in the dispute/matter. Barrister Adewale highlighted the reasons why his (Client) Rev EMF Oshoffa will want to settle out of court as been advised by the Judge in pervious hearing.

The view of out of court settlement primarily remain the best resolution ideals of the Church; we can’t continue to pretend that the Church administration is managed properly. However the demand for external “mediator” outside the jurisdiction of Celestian member will present our Church as an incompetent religion organization. Barrister Obafemi Adewale is the lead counsel to Rev EMF Oshoffa; his a Celestian member & Secretary of the new BOT constituted by the Pastor. 

Barrister Adewale as constantly admitted that the Church management need to be reposition & restructure; he should be able to give the Pastor a legal advice & explain the matter in the normal perspective. We have members who are competent, intelligent and high esteem individual who will assist in bringing both parties to negotiating table for the evolution of the Church. We have had (3) mediators over the dispute since 2021; Former President Olusegun Obasanjo met with the Pastor; his siblings & the dissolved BOT in January 2021; President Obasanjo explained the significant of the Church in his life & impact of the Pastor Founder (Prophet SBJ Oshoffa) in his life; he highlighted the functions of the Pastor & the duties of BOT; he advised them to work in togetherness; while MOU was reached after the meeting; but the resolution was not implemented; Again through an online meeting of the PIC; the Committee set up a team of members led Retired Justice Evang. Ajakaye & General S/V/M/S/E Opaleye who met with Baba Banjo on the 21th of August 2021; but the Committee never release any press statement to the general congregation of the Church. While another meeting was held on the 6th of May 2022 at CCC Ogudu Parish, Lagos; in the meeting both parties explained their difference with possible solution but the aftermath of events destroyed the peace reconciliation meeting.

Isaiah 32:17 said “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” The fact that the Church is in court has not shown the embodiment and effectiveness of God’s plan for our Church. Some members know that the moment M/S/E Banjo and the Pastor meet, truth will unfold and those individuals are doing everything possible not to allow the peace meeting hold.

Some members are also not satisfied that Celestial Church of Christ is in court over leadership tussle. Rev EMF Oshoffa is an institution in Celestial Church, while M/S/E Banjo is a factor in Celestial Church. Both generals need to agree and understand that the Church interest must only be the primary focus for them because when leader’s fail to address a problem; the problem will become the leader and the leader will become the problem.