Our Pastors, Past and Present
Rt REVD PASTOR S.B.J. OSCHOFFA (1909-1985)
Rt. Rev. Pastor/Prophet/Founder SAMUEL BILEWU JOSEPH OSCHOFFA (fondly referred to as Papa) came from full Nigerian parentage. He was born into a Yoruba family on the 19th of May 1909 in Porto Novo in the Republic of Benin. His father, Joseph Oschoffa, was the son of Pa Ojo and Ma Koshina both from Abeokuta in Ogun State of Nigeria) Papa’s own mother, Alake Iyabo, hails from Imeko in Imeko/Afon Local Government area of Ogun State of Nigeria. Both of them were of mixed religion. His father was a Muslim but had become a Methodist, whilst his mother followed traditional religions and objected to Christianity.
His birth was a memorable one, being that his father, like the biblical Hannah (1 Sam. 9:11), asked the Almighty God for him and made a vow to dedicate him to the services of God. This was because, though Pa Joseph married many wives, all the children he had through them were all females. He had no males at all, and to make matters worse, all the children except one died. He needed a male child to carry on the family name, since he never wanted the lineage of Oschoffa dynasty to be wiped out in the land where they sojourned. The answer to that prayer came in the birth of little Samuel Bilewu (meaning Bileayebawu Kogbe, sugbon mo mo wipe mo ti toro re lodo Olorun) which in English translation means (if you prefer to live in this world, then you are welcome but if you prefer to live above in heaven, then you are equally welcome, but l know l specially requested for you from God).
His father was a carpenter (a fact which was later thought important to a person who later reported receiving visits from Jesus Christ).
His family was also involved with the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. Felicia Yaman was Oshoffa’s first wife, and she was involved with the launch of the new church. She was said to be able to prophesy conflict and was invited to many of Oshoffa’s meetings.
In fulfillment of the vow, Pa Joseph sent young SBJ Oschoffa at age of thirteen to the Methodist Church to work with the then Bishop, alongside some other children of the Methodist faith. The children at a time revolted against the instructions of the bishop and they were all sent back to their parents. Pa Joseph’s entreaties to return young SBJ back to the mission failed, as the Bishop refused to allow them. This annoyed him and as a sort of punishment he decided that SBJ should learn the carpentry trade which was his own profession. This marks the first deviation from the divine plans of SBJ. This also led to his having any formal Western type of education.
SBJ became a very experienced carpenter under his father’s tutelage. He was indeed very good in his new found trade, turning ebony wood into fine wood work. He continued with this work until his father Pa Joseph died on 15th June 1939. By the death of his father, he had to bear added burden by taking up the responsibility for the caring of the whole family. He needed a more prosperous trade to be able to cope with the financial responsibilities. This led him to trade in Ebony wood. He became a logger and sold this at very high premium. He called it a very lucrative trade. He was a Christian all these while, so he knew how to pray and he read the Bible daily, but a great thing that was to later change the course of things in his life happened in one of his trip.
THE VISION
On the 3rd of May, 1947 few months after his venturing into Ebony logging trade, Papa SBJ Oschoffa was in the forest in search of Ebony. He reported that he had been searching in the forests to find the correct type of tree when he suddenly realised that he had lost his way and ended up living in the jungle for three months.
He prayed a lot while in the forest. During his several sessions of prayers, something happened. As he shut his eyes to pray, behold, he heard a voice which said to him ‘LULI.’ The voice also said that LULI means the GRACE of JESUS CHRIST. He opened his eyes and before him stood these stationary animals.
(a) A white monkey with two teeth each top and bottom, with winged hands and feet like those of a bat – when it wants to fly, it flaps its wings forward.
(b) A coloured bird with yellow feet, yellow beak and long tail which sometimes fans out its fail like a Peacock.
(c) A short snake about a foot long which was coiled with its mouth puffed like a Cobra.
All these animals represented some of the hurdles the church will face in the Future.
After a while, the animals left the scene. Papa at this time after the voice felt a change in his entire body and was transformed.
MANIFESTATION
The day Papa went into the forest to purchase Ebony was a very memorable one. It was the 27th of May 1947, when there was the total eclipse of the sun (which was a sign of the new divine call that was to transform the whole facet of the world spiritually). That very day, Papa heard the voice calling LULI meaning the Grace of Jesus Christ. The transformation of that day, started manifesting in.
(a) Boldnes
(b) Power
(c) Faith
The Boldness was seen, when Papa had to toy with the snake without any fear and despite that, the snake puffed itself up signifying a sign to attack its prey, he was not afraid, because as a believer he has been given the power (Mark 16:17-18).
Miraculous power also manifested when he laid his hands on the peddler of the canoe whom fell ill after stealing his food, healing him instantly. Faith manifested when, without a peddler and with no foreknowledge of paddling a canoe, he was able to find his way through the river, by just sitting inside the canoe which ferried him to safety. He lived on honey for 3 months. He was never ill throughout. So many works of Divine miracles happened during this period. Papa himself was surprised at this sudden transformation and manifestation of the work of the Holy Spirit in his life. The covenant of his Father, with God, vowing to surrender him to God for works in God’s vineyard, started in earnest. The gradual movement from human pursuit started the final return to Porto Novo from the forest with a lot of Ebony he bought after recruiting a new peddler. But this time the people in and around the area he went were already aware of the great powers of the Holy Spirit manifesting in Papa. He did not know that he was walking into a greater calling for the work of Jesus Christ the Saviour of the whole world.
When he emerged from the forest, he was empowered with the gifts of healing and prophecy. His first act of healing was reportedly the resurrection of his nephew. As a result his elder sister, Elizabeth, was the first convert. The nephew was to become recognised as the first prophet of the new church. Over the next few years, several other people were reportedly brought back from the dead by Oshoffa. Between 1947 and 1951, the church grew in the country of Benin.
DIVINE ORDER
On the 29th of September, 1947, while he was praying in his house with some friends who had come to visit him, Papa saw a very powerful light that was so dazzling to the eyes and behold there appeared in the light a winged being whose body was like fire with very tiny eyes flying towards him. As the being approached him, the beam of light shortened, the being now standing about a yard from him, then he said to Papa: “God wish to send you to the world to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ for the purpose of returning backsliding Christians to him and winning souls for the Lord. The reason is that, there are many Christians and very religious but when they are confronted by the problems and difficulties of this world, tend to seek help from fetish priest, false prophets, powers of darkness, sorcerers and witchcrafts, but when they die, they will not be privileged to see the face of Jesus Christ because they have be there actions allowed Satan to leave a mark on them which automatically separates then from the Grace of Jesus Christ.”
Papa was commissioned to preach the Gospel and give exhortation. Jesus Christ knew that the world will not believe unless they see signs and wonders, so Papa was anointed by Jesus Christ so that he will perform miraculous works and healing through the name of Jesus Christ. These mighty works will testify to the fact that God Almighty has actually sent you and people will believe in your message.
A confirmation to this Divine visitation came almost immediately through one of the visitors who was present on that day by the name Marrie Zevenue who exclaimed that she saw in a vision the crucified Jesus came down from the Cross stretched his nail pierced hands and feet and showed his side that was pierced with blood oozing out. He took Papa into a room, which they both re-emerged, the woman continued that Papa was dressed in a white tunic full of bright shining stars and his eyes were like blinding light that she couldn’t look at Papa in the eyes. Papa was transformed completed.
Papa couldn’t sleep throughout the night because he was visited by the Heavenly host. The women Marrie Zevenue, was also in trance through the night, speaking of so many strange revelations through the dictate of the Holy Ghost and managers which presently form parts of the Tenents of the Church. The Zevenue at this time were of the Roman Catholic Faith. Those who heard of this new change, came to Papa’s house for confirmation. There were so much crowds, that he had to contact the police for assistance to disperse them. It was awesome. The officer advised Papa to organise an open air revival. The revival further proved that Jesus Christ has really called Papa for the work of the Kingdom. There were so many present day Pharisees and doubting Thomases, Teachers of the law and the scriptures. They wanted to know by whose authority Papa was doing this great works. He told them that it was by no other power and Grace than Jesus Christ. He was accused by some using magical powers, others said he will soon be exposed if he was a fake. But Papa waxed stronger and stronger in the things of the Holy Spirit. By this Crusader, a lot of people gave their lives to Christ and they gave birth to a Church. This Church was later named the Celestial Church of Christ, a name so revealed by the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:25, 26).
In 1976, the church was relocated to Nigeria because Papa was in a minor conflict with the government of Benin. This was timely as he was just about to be arrested. Very soon after arriving in Nigeria, Oshoffa cured a mad woman, although many people doubted this account. Oshoffa held a public meeting in Yaba, Lagos, where those gathered reported his ability to prophecy. In the same year he again claimed a resurrection.
The new church grew rapidly, and it gained followers across West Africa and the world. The church was estimated to have several million followers in 1998.
In Nigeria, Oshoffa was sold a large piece of land after the owner was assisted by a “holy man’s” intervention in a dream with a legal dispute. The new church continued to receive resistance from the Nigerian authorities, but it was officially recognised in 1958.
MISSION
The Celestial Church of Christ has been revealed as the last ARK of Salvation which is totally different from the first ARK (i.e. Noah’s Ark). This first ARK was constructed by man and was limited in size thereby making it to accommodate only very few people, while the last ARK is constructed by God Almighty Himself, sending his only begotten son Jesus Christ to be the Captain and made it open and available for those who are willing and able to enter after qualifying to be passengers with the only required traveling documents which is – accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour , turning a new self because, old things would have passed away. It was known that the enemy will struggle into this ARK some dangerous passengers, they will only have teeth and fangs but they will not harm the Redeemed of the Lord. They will be in there until Jesus will come for Harvesting (Parable of the Wheat and weeds). To the Glory of God, the Almighty Celestial Church of Christ has today spread from the “sea to the ends of the earth”. The prophetic mission that it will spread and be established in many countries of the world, has come to pass with the congregation as more as the sand of the sea shores.
Not minding all the negative publicity and the seemingly distractions of enemies of Jesus Christ, the Church is growing in leaps and bounds with signs and wonder accompanying the believers.
TESTIMONIES
Papa was told in the Divine order/Commission that he will be assisted in his work so that the world commissioned him by endowing him powers of miracle works, wonders as in particular Healing. The Testimonies to the great works of God can not all be mentioned here. There were Healings, Deliverance Raising the Deads, breaking Yokes and perfect peace. There was also an abundance of the manifestations of the Holy Spirit Grace in the Church. The gifts of God of enumerated in 1st Cor. 12.14 are abundantly endowed on members.
Amongst the first several Testimonies of the great works, were:-
1. The Paddler of the canoe healed from severe gastro pains.
2. Kudiho who was raised back to life a terminal ailment.
3. Emmanuel Mamyon – was raised from the dead.
4. Tinavie was also raised from dead.
5. Even his Apron & Handkerchiefs raised dead and healed the sick.
6. Stopping the raging sea.
7. K/Lunatics received sanity.
8. The Barren received deliverance and became mothers to many children.
All these and many more are still manifesting in the Church till this day.
EPILOGUE
Papa SBJ Oschoffa spent his first thirty eight years in the usual human mundane pursuit of life as a Carpenter trying to make a living for his family. The second thirty eight years marked that of a Shepherd of the largest congregation in the History of the Church in Africa. The second thirty eight years witnessed a stupendous growth of the church with parishes springing up in almost all the crannies and corners of Nigeria and abroad.
Papa was in his lifetime an embodiment of Celestial Church of Christ here on earth, with his Master Jesus Christ assisting him. Even after his glorious exit from the face of the earth, the Lord Jesus Christ, the owner of the Church, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith, has not left the Church. Satan has no powers over this Church, he has been defeated.
Death
Oshoffa died on 10th day of September 1985 following a car crash. He was buried at Celestial City, Imeko.
THE RT. REVEREND ALEXANDRA ABIODUN BADA (1930 – 2000)
His Eminence, The Rt. Reverend Alexandra Abiodun Bada was born to the family of Chief Benjamin Omotona Bada on the 4th day of December 1930 in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. His mother is Lace Superior Elder Sister Janet Abebi Bada (aka Matron General of C. C. C. National Headquarters). She came from the Oriola family, Isokun, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Reverend Bada had his primary education at St John’s School, Iloro, Ilesha between 1936-1942. His secondary education was at Ilesha Grammar School from 1943-1949 where he obtained a Senior Cambridge Certificate. On leaving school in 1950, he took up employment with Nigerian Breweries Limited and he was subsequently promoted to a supervisory grade in the Stock Control Department of the Company in 1952.
Towards the middle of 1952, Reverend Bada, to the amazement of many people, showed lack of interest in what one can be termed as a lucrative job. There was a shift in his interest, as he became interested in serving God. But God works in a mysterious way. In the same year, 1952, Reverend Bada met one of the departed icons of this great church, Superior Evangelist S O Ajanlekoko. Almost immediately, he became a full time worker in the Lord’s vineyard. He was a man constantly led by the spirit of God. This quality was noticed everywhere he went. In 1954, the founder of the church, Reverend S B J Oschoffa anointed him as a Senior Elder. Progressively, he was promoted to the rank of a Leader in 1955. From the title, ‘Leader” came the appellation ‘Asiwaju’. Rather than use his official titles, in the Celestial Circle, people use this appellation. At exactly 3pm on the 25th of December 1960 on the Porto-Novo beach, he was anointed as a Senior Leader.
Four years later, there came a day to be remembered. A sign accompanied his anointment as an Evangelist. Before the exercise, Pastor Oschoffa was highly in spirit. In the presence of the congregation, he requested that a sign be shown by God during the anointment. His prayer was answered. The heavens opened and dew fell upon the arena. In appreciation, the people chanted Halleluyah repeatedly. Till date, we have not witnessed such occurrence at an anointment exercise. He became a Senior Evangelist on the 24th of December 1972 and he was promoted to the rank of Supreme Evangelist on the 25th of December 1980. He was the first man in the Celestial Church of Christ to attain to this position before the demise of the founder, Pastor Oschoffa, thus making him the highest-ranking official next to the Founder.
In fact, Pastor Oschoffa usually referred to him as Ekejimi-meaning the next in rank.
HIS ASCENDANCE TO THE POSITION OF THE PASTOR
A nation cannot be without a Leader. After the death of Papa Oschoffa, spiritual messages received from within and outside the fold favoured the appointment of Supreme Evangelist Bada as the new Pastor of the church. At about 2:15am on Friday 25th of December 1985, at the annual convocation of the Celestial Church Of Christ, his appointment was announced.
As soon as the mantle of leadership fell upon him, signs of a new era began to emanate. There was buoyancy in spiritual development and the enthusiasm for the work of God grew in members. Injunctions ’following his appointment was similar to that of Joshua in the scriptures He was told to be strong and courageous and that God will be with him wherever he goes.
On the 25th of December 1987, the installation of Reverend Bada as Pastor took place at the Church’s world headquarters, Imeko City in Ogun State, Nigeria. The occasion attracted dignitaries from churches all over the world, traditional rulers from all over Nigeria and people from all works of life.
Under his leadership, the church grew in numerical strength; spreading throughout the world especially places where African have migrated and the awesome power of God never ceased to perform miracles among the people.
He led the Church for fifteen glorious years. Like any other Leader, Spiritual or Political, he had opponents. This did not deter his leadership. An overwhelming majority of Celestials were behind him both at home and abroad.
He died in Greenwich Hospital, London on Friday of 8th September 2000 after a brief illness. He left behind his wives, children and grandchildren.
Rt REVD. PHILIP HUNSU AJOSE (1932 -2001)
Rev. Philip Hunsu Ajose was born on 10th August 1932 in Badagry town to Mr Ajose who was a strong Christian and Co-Founder of the United Methodist African Church, Eleja at Badagry. It was in that Church that baby Ajose was Christened and named Philip.
He attended one of the very first Primary School in Nigeria, St Thomas Primary School, Badagry, from 1939 to 1949.
He was admitted to the Nigeria Marine ( Nigeria Ports Authority) for a three-year training course in Mechanical Engineering. He graduated honorably and obtained a certificate in internal combustion engineering. He got employment with the E C N (N E P A) as a station supervisor in 1951 at Ijora Power Station. His hard work and diligence resulted in his transfer to Benin City as superintendent in 1961,Oshogbo in 1967, Ajure in 1970, Badagry as Superintendent District Manager in 1971.These transfers across the country were to proved that the hand of God was working as he was able to establish so many parishes in those areas that he transferred to.
In 1976, Rev Phillip Hunsu Ajose resigned his appointment with ECN and gave all his time and service to his Lord and Saviour During his numerous transfers from one major outpost of the ECN to another provided him the opportunity to establish more than 200 parishes of C C C in Nigeria which include, to name but a few, Benin City, Badagry, Obenja, Warri, Sapele, Uwele, Olobo, Ole, Issau, Auchi, Asaba, Agbor, Ubuluku, Gbanka, Ora, Sagbongida, Afuwe, Eme-ora, Akure, Oshogbo, Ede, etc.
Rev Philip Hunsu Ajose’s leadership qualities were fully appreciated by the Prophet Pastor Founder Rev S B J Oschoffa and was sent to oversee the affairs of Overseas Diocese, which includes Great Britain, Europe, Canada, and the U S A with London as base and Diocesan Headquarters.
After the burial of the late Pastor Rev A A Bada, the World Committee Of Shepherd met on Monday 2nd October, 2000 and proclaimed Rev. P H Ajose as Pastor and Spiritual Head C C C Worldwide at Celestial Holy City, Imeko, Ogun State on 24th-25th December, 2000. After He died in the year 2001 after a brief illness. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen
Rt REVD GILBERT OLUWATOSIN JESSE (1937 -2003)
Rev Gilbert Oluwatosin Jesse was born in Mahin in the Ilaje-Ese Odo Local Government of Ondo State, Nigeria on May 17th 1937.
His primary school was at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, Ebute-Metta, Lagos and later attended Lagos City College, Yaba, Lagos where he obtained his West Africa Examination Certificate in 1958. He was thereafter employed as a Clerical Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office, Race Course, Lagos State. He was later employed by the Federal Ministry of Establishment where he worked until his retirement in 1972.
He went into private business on Electronics and later moved into selling vehicles of different brands, till he was call into full-time church worker in Celestial Church Of Christ in 1975.
Nevertheless, He joined Celestial Church Of Christ in 1953 at National Headquarters, Makoko, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria. In 1969, He established a Parish in Ikorodu Road, Fadeyi that was the second parish that was formed out of the National Headquarters.
He was the shepherd in charge of the Ikorodu Road Parish till 1979. Later that year, he established Celestial Church Of Christ, Ojota Parish 1. In 1988 he was elevated to the position of Most Senior Evangelist and posted to Ogun State as State Evangelist by Rev A A Bada.
In 1990 he was transferred to Lagos, to take charge of Surulere/Ijeshatedo Districts and to shepherd Celestial Church Of Christ, Olajuwon Tejuosho Parish. He was the Chairman International Revival Committee. This position he held till Rev A A Bada appointed him as Reverend and Superior Evangelist, Head of Celestial Church Of Christ, Nigeria Diocese.
On Monday, December 30th, 2002 the World Council Of Pastor’s Representatives unanimously appointed him as the authentic Pastor and Spiritual Head of Celestial Church Of Christ, World-wide.