“LET FACTS, NOT ALLEGATIONS, GUIDE ANOINTMENT DEBATE” – AVSE Kayode Ajala

Pastor’s office calls for evidence, due process and responsible criticism of Church leadership

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE SPOKESMAN TO THE PASTOR AND SPIRITUAL HEAD OF THE CELESTIAL CHURCH OF CHRIST WORLDWIDE

The attention of the Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, His Eminence, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, has been drawn to a video circulating on social media in which a prominent female member of the Church, belonging to the family of its founder, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa, made allegations concerning the conferment of the rank of Mother Celestial and the collection of anointment fees.

While the Pastor respects the right of members to express concerns about the administration of the Church, allegations capable of damaging its reputation and undermining confidence in its leadership must be supported by verifiable facts.

ALLEGED IRREGULARITY IN THE CONFERMENT OF RANK

The claim that a member received the exalted rank of Mother Celestial at her first anointment raises legitimate questions that should be referred to the appropriate Church authorities for clarification.

However, the suggestion that she must have bribed officials to obtain the rank is a serious allegation requiring credible evidence.

Who authorised the anointment? What procedures were followed? Who approved the rank, and was the appropriate documentation issued?

These questions should be investigated before conclusions are drawn. If evidence establishes that any official manipulated the process for personal gain, appropriate action should follow. But neither the recipient nor the Church’s leadership should be condemned on the strength of speculation.

Suspicion is not proof, and allegations must not be presented as established facts.

ANOINTMENT FEES AND ECONOMIC REALITIES

The argument that anointment must be free also requires historical context. The Church’s administrative practices predate the present administration, and claims about the history of anointment fees should be assessed against reliable records of previous administrations.

Nigeria’s economic realities have changed considerably over the years, and the costs of administering a worldwide religious institution must be considered in their proper context. Nevertheless, any official charges must be properly authorised, transparently communicated and responsibly accounted for.

A clear distinction must be made between approved Church fees and unauthorised payments demanded by individuals. Any allegation of improper collection deserves investigation, and proven misconduct must be addressed.

THE PASTOR’S LEADERSHIP AND SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITY

Reverend E.M.F. Oshoffa recognises the spiritual responsibility entrusted to him as Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide. His leadership, according to the account provided in his defence, places considerable emphasis on prayer and spiritual reflection before major decisions.

The Church must, however, ensure that its spiritual traditions are supported by clear administrative procedures, verifiable records and effective safeguards against irregularities.

The Pastor’s office does not contend that legitimate questions should be silenced. Rather, concerns should be investigated fairly, and responsibility should be established on the basis of evidence.

A CALL FOR CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT

The reported involvement of a member of the founder’s family makes this controversy particularly sensitive. Differences of opinion are inevitable in a worldwide religious institution, but constructive dialogue and appropriate channels of communication offer a better path to resolving disputes than unsubstantiated public accusations.

Members who have concerns about anointment procedures, the conferment of ranks or official charges are encouraged to present them to the appropriate Church authorities. Such concerns can help strengthen accountability and protect the Church’s spiritual heritage when pursued responsibly.

LET THE FACTS PREVAIL

The Pastor and Spiritual Head deserves a fair hearing, just as the member whose rank has been questioned deserves fairness. Any credible allegation of irregularity should be investigated impartially, without prejudging the outcome.

The defence of Reverend E.M.F. Oshoffa is not a demand for silence; it is a call for evidence, fairness and due process.

The Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide must remain committed to its spiritual heritage, transparency and unity. The way forward is to establish the facts, correct any proven irregularities and refrain from condemning individuals without sufficient evidence.

Let truth prevail over speculation, accountability prevail over impunity, and constructive engagement prevail over division.

A WORD TO THE CHURCH AND THE PUBLIC

The Office of the Pastor, C.C.C W/w appeals to members of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide to avoid inflammatory exchanges, personal attacks and the circulation of unverified claims. The Church’s unity and reputation are collective responsibilities, and disagreements should not become occasions for division.

Those with credible information about misconduct are encouraged to present it through the appropriate channels so that it can be examined objectively. The Church is prepared to confront proven wrongdoing wherever it occurs, without favour or prejudice.

The Pastor’s Office also urges commentators to distinguish between legitimate criticism and allegations that have yet to be established. Public discourse should illuminate the facts, not obscure them; promote accountability, not encourage hostility.

The Pastor remains committed to the spiritual mission and continued progress of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide. It is in the interest of the entire Church that every genuine concern be addressed fairly, every proven irregularity be corrected, and every individual be treated with dignity until the facts are established.

The position of the Pastor’s Office is clear: no one is above accountability, no one should be condemned without evidence, and no controversy should be allowed to undermine the pursuit of truth and the unity of the Church.

Issued by:

AVSE Kayode Ajala, Head, Media and Publicity / Spokesman to His Eminence, Reverend E.M.F. Oshoffa
Pastor and Spiritual Head, Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide

For official communication and public clarification.

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