HOW MAMA AJIBIKE SAVED REV PASTOR EMF OSHOFFA.

Throughout the history of our Church administration, certain similarities have persisted since the days of the Pastor Founder, Rev. SBJ Oshoffa. These commonalities have transcended each era of Pastors, dating back to the Church’s inception in 1947. These similarities can be identified through the individuals who have selflessly sacrificed their time, energy and resources for the betterment of the Church. Unfortunately, many of these individuals have been met with insults and condemnation, rather than the recognition they deserve.

One such individual who exemplified dedication to the safety and well-being of the Church was the late Justice Gloria Erhieyovwe Oladoke, wife of late Baba Ajibike, a devoted worshipper at CCC Mokola Parish, Ibadan & member of the registered board of trustees of our Church. As a Judge at the Appellate Court in Nigeria, she possessed a deep understanding of the legal implications surrounding religious organizations. Her first-hand experience with cases involving illegal actions, abuse of court orders and misappropriation of church funds allowed her to interpret the law with precision and insight to the authority of our Church then.

Mama Ajibike played a crucial role in supporting the registered board of trustees during a legal battle at the State High Court in Ilaro, Ogun State. Judge Asenuge J. Made legal decisions on litigation arising from a challenge to the Pastorship of Celestial Church of Christ on the 26th March 2015 in accordance with Section 255 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The Court declared the seat of the Pastor of Celestial Church of Christ VACANT and deemed the presence of Rev EMF Oshoffa and other Pastors illegal under the law. Following this ruling, one of the Pastor’s siblings, who also served as his personal assistant, attempted to stage a coup against the Pastor by declaring himself as the new Pastor, with the support of some elders who presently align with Rev EMF Oshoffa.

However, the registered board of trustees rejected this action and reaffirmed their loyalty to Rev EMF Oshoffa as the Pastor of the Church. Late Mama Ajibike provided legal advice on the necessary steps to secure Rev EMF Oshoffa’s position as Pastor. The Board of Trustees revisited the State High Court to file a case for a stay of execution regarding Judge Asenuge’s judgment on the 26th March 2015.

After presenting the facts in the new suit, Judge Olugbemi of the State High Court in Ilaro ruled on the 17th of May 2016 stating that “if the alternative prayer for a stay of execution pending appeal was denied, it could lead to a state of complete helplessness or even render the decision of the court of appeal meaningless. Therefore, the prayer for a stay of execution was granted, and the execution of the judgment delivered by Judge Asenuge on March 26, 2015, was suspended until the appeal filed by the applicant was determined”.

The judgment obtained on the 17th May 2016 through the registered board of trustees (BOT) allows Pastor Rev. EMF Oshoffa to continue his duties in office to this day. Unfortunately, those who have made sacrifices for the Pastor are now being unjustly portrayed as his enemies.

During the stay of execution, late Mama Ajibike held a meeting with the Pastor in the presence of the registered Board of Trustees to give another legal advice on the next steps to take in reorganizing their case prayers at the Appellate Court in Ibadan. She also advised them to expedite the redrafting of the constitution overseen by the late Superior Evangelist (General) Opeleye, in order to align with the ruling of the Apex Court in the year 2000 against the late Baba Bada.

Late Justice Oladoke’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the Church serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of individuals who have contributed to its growth and success. Her legacy continues to inspire us to uphold the values of justice, integrity, and accountability within our Church.