In the unfolding story of Celestial Church of Christ, destiny was not determined by tribe, age, or rank, but by divine purpose. God raises men according to His will—men whose obedience becomes the foundation of generational legacies. Far away in Porto-Novo, Benin Republic, a humble carpenter was faithfully labouring to provide for his family. That carpenter would later be known to the world as Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, the Pastor Founder of our Church.
At the same time in Lagos, two diligent men were working at Nigeria Breweries to sustain their households. Unknown to them, heaven had already written their names into a divine assignment. One would receive the grace to lead; the others would become pillars of structure, discipline, and continuity in the Church. The Church was divinely established in 1947. Four years later, during Passion Week in 1951, the Founder’s journey to Nigeria marked a turning point in his evangelical mission. What seemed like an ordinary movement became a prophetic transition that reshaped the narrative of the Church forever.
It was in Lagos that he encountered Baba Ajelekoko, a man burdened with spiritual challenges and in search of lasting divine solutions. Through prayer and divine ministration, the bond of faith was sealed. That encounter became more than spiritual intervention, it birthed covenant friendship. Through Baba Ajelekoko, another key figure was drawn into the unfolding vision: Alexander Abiodun Bada (Baba Bada), then a staff at Nigeria Breweries, rather rose to a Managerial level and became a Supervisor before hacking to the spiritual message which was personally delivered to him by Papa Oshoffa on the first day they met at Makoko. Immediately Papa sighted Baba Bada, he uttered ” *Ka a bo ,Eni to ma ba mi sise lo de yi, Eni keji mi ti de ”* and Baba Bada immediately got spiritually transformed from that moment which led to his putting in a voluntary resignation letter towards taking up the great commission. Baba Ajelekoko patiently shared the testimony of the grace upon the man from Benin Republic. What followed was not mere admiration, it was spiritual recognition.
The Church took root in Makoko, Lagos, Nigeria. While the Founder maintained a strong spiritual connection to his homeland, there was a need for steady oversight in Nigeria. That responsibility fell upon Baba Bada—a complete disciplined, administrative, and unwavering in doctrine. Baba Ajelekoko, though still employed, made himself constantly available. His loyalty and commitment strengthened the young Church’s structure. Together, these three men formed a spiritual triangle vision, discipline, and support.
As the Church expanded, growth demanded movement. A relocation journey of approximately 17.8 kilometres from the watery terrains of Makoko to Ikosi–Ketu was not merely geographical—it was prophetic. At Moshood Street, Ikosi–Ketu, Lagos State, each of these three spiritual giants purchased plots of land. This was not coincidence. It was confirmation of shared vision and permanence.
From that unity emerged the iconic three-storey building, today regarded as part of the heritage of Celestial Church of Christ.
That building stands not merely as cement and blocks, but as a testimony of: Divine calling, Sacrificial leadership, Brotherhood beyond tribe Institutional foresight, and Generational preservation. The two-storey buildings at Moshood Street, IKosi Ketu, Lagos State represents more than architecture. It represents the early administrative consolidation of the Church in Nigeria. It symbolizes trust between the Founder and his lieutenants. It embodies loyalty without rivalry.
In an era where institutions struggle with unity.
Today, as members of this great fold, we must remember that the foundations laid by Late Rev Pastor Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, Late Rev Pastor Alexander Abiodun Bada, and Late Superior Evangelist Ajelekoko were not accidental. They were intentional, prayerful, and sacrificial. May we not allow heritage to become history without honour.
Point of correction Alagba Akinyele. Baba Bada was not a junior staff but rather rose to a Managerial level and became a Supervisor before hacking to the spiritual message which was personally delivered to him by Papa Oshoffa on the first day they met at Makoko. Immediately Papa sighted Baba Bada, he uttered ” *Ka a bo ,Eni to ma ba mi sise lo de yi, Eni keji mi ti de ”* and Baba Bada immediately got spiritually transformed from that moment which led to his putting in a voluntary resignation letter 💌 towards taking up the great commission …
