It was the morning of 10th September 1985, a day that began like any other across the nation, calm and routine, as Nigerians prepared for their daily activities. Yet beneath that normalcy lay an atmosphere already heavy with concern, following the tragic accident involving Rev Pastor Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa. The accident had occurred on 1st September 1985 during his journey to Ibadan, where he was scheduled to attend the Adult Harvest of CCC Mokola Parish, Ibadan.
In the days that followed, tension gripped Moshood Street in Ikosi Ketu, as news of his condition spread rapidly. Family members, church faithful, and well-wishers made constant visits to his house at Moshood Street, while prayers for his recovery echoed across parishes both within and beyond Nigeria. Hope lingered in the hearts of many who believed that the man whom God had used so mightily would yet rise again.
However, the dawn of 10th September 1985 brought an unimaginable reality. His children, Edith and Ebenezer, who had stood by him through those critical days, arrived at the hospital only to discover that their beloved father had peacefully departed at exactly 6:10 a.m. The sight before them was overwhelming his body lay still, the breath of life gone. The weight of that moment was too much to bear.
With heavy hearts, the message was conveyed to Moshood Street. An urgent call was sent to his trusted lieutenants—Alexander Abiodun Bada and Superior Evangelist Ajelekoko under the solemn pretense that the Pastor Founder had summoned them. Dutiful and devoted, they journeyed from Ketu to Ilupeju, hoping for instructions from their spiritual leader.
But what awaited them was not counsel, but silence.
Standing before the lifeless body of their leader, grief broke forth uncontrollably. Alexander Abiodun Bada wept openly, while Baba Ajelekoko mourned in quiet disbelief. The reality was undeniable, the great prophet had taken his exit without a final word.
The news returned to Ikosi Ketu like a dark cloud. Shepherds abandoned their parishes, members left their workplaces, and a multitude gathered in shock and sorrow. What began as a local tragedy quickly became a national moment of mourning.
As a spiritual icon and founder of one of Africa’s most influential churches, his passing could not remain hidden. By 11th September 1985, the announcement had reached the front pages of national dailies, including the renowned Daily Times, proclaiming to the world the sudden departure of a man chosen, used, and greatly blessed by God. Thus was announced the transition of a prophet, one whose legacy would forever remain etched in the history of faith, not only in Nigeria but across the world.
