First and foremost, it is important to note that M/S/E Samson Olatunde Banjo is not in court to demand the removal of Rev Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa as the Church Pastor. Rather, his challenging the authority of the Pastor’s decision to dissolve a registered Board of Trustees (BOT) under the Nigeria Corporate Right Act.
It is common knowledge that M/S/E Banjo is the sole surviving member of the original BOT appointed by the Church Founder, Rev. S.B.J Oshoffa. Let us take a moment to refresh our memories. The first registered BOT in 1980 consisted of Rev. S.B.J Oshoffa (Chairman), Supreme Evang. Bada, S/S/E Ajanlekoko, S/S/L Adefeso, S/S/L Owodunni, S/S/L Banjo, and S/S/L Ogunlesi. Following the passing of the Founding Pastor, a leadership dispute arose when late S/S/L Owodunni took the matter to court, challenging the appointment of the late Rev. Bada as the Church Pastor. Eventually, in the year 2000, the Apex court ruled that Rev. Bada should not parade himself as the Pastor of the Church. Furthermore, the court instructed the church to revise the church constitution to address certain administrative shortcomings highlighted during the trial.
However, the history of Rev Emmanuel Oshoffa’s rise to become the Pastor of Celestial Church would be incomplete without mentioning the name of M/S/E Banjo. Nevertheless, the unexpected rift between Rev Emmanuel Oshoffa and M/S/E Banjo has left many members of the Church astonished. Some individuals within the Church have seized this opportunity to launch personal attacks against Pastor Emmanuel Oshoffa and M/S/E Banjo.
Both Rev Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa and M/S/E Samson Olatunde Banjo embarked on their journey together in the year 2002. From the very beginning, it was clear that their bond was unbreakable. Rev Oshoffa couldn’t go a day without seeking the wise counsel of M/S/E Banjo likewise, M/S/E Banjo couldn’t make a move without hearing the voice of Rev Oshoffa. Their love for leadership surpassed any differences they may have had as individuals.
Rev Oshoffa entrusted M/S/E Banjo with important tasks, knowing that he possessed unwavering integrity. Anyone who dared to disobey the Pastor’s directives instantly became an enemy of M/S/E Banjo. The love between these two remarkable individuals was truly awe-inspiring. The Pastor held M/S/E Banjo in the highest regard, considering his every word and action with utmost importance. As a result, the Church began to align with God’s purpose, reaching new heights of standardization.
However, amidst this harmonious relationship, negative stereotypes began to infiltrate the Church, poisoning the minds of both Elders. These false narratives aimed to sow seeds of division, all in an attempt to seize power and authority. And unfortunately, their plan succeeded.
M/S/E Banjo transforms from Defendant to Plaintiff! In a surprising turn of events, M/S/E Banjo, who has always been a steadfast defendant in court cases since 1987, has now become a plaintiff in a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi. This remarkable shift in roles highlights M/S/E Banjo’s unwavering dedication to upholding the primary purpose of God’s plan for the church. He fearlessly fights against anyone who dares to go against the sacred instructions of the revered Pa SBJ Oshoffa.
Regrettably, it is a well-known fact that certain individuals within the Celestial Church of Christ, known as the cabal are determined to keep the church in a state of turmoil. Their motives, perhaps driven by personal gain, take precedence over the collective interests of the church. However, the pastor is currently at the Appellate Court in Ibadan, passionately pleading for the court to overturn the judgment of the Federal High Court in Ilaro, Ogun State.
