Rev. Pastor E.M.F Oshoffa Settles Canada Diocese Seniority Dispute Through Prayer, Casting of Lots

Lawal declared senior to Adeoba after 15-minute prayer session

PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO — A protracted seniority dispute between two senior Shepherds of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Canada Diocese, has been brought to an end following a dramatic intervention by the Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Church, Rev. E.M.F. Oshoffa.

The decision, which followed prayers and the casting of lots, placed Assistant Most Superior Evangelist (AMSE) Kule Lawal ahead of his colleague, AMSE Rufus Adeoba, in the seniority order.

The development brings to a close a disagreement that had reportedly persisted for years and had become a matter of concern within the Canada Diocese.

According to a source familiar with the development, Rev. Oshoffa summoned the two clergymen and other senior clergy to a meeting on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the hotel where he was staying during his visit to Canada.

At the meeting, the Pastor reportedly told those present that he had decided to take a final position on the matter.

He then requested a sheet of paper, divided it into two equal parts and wrote the numbers 1 and 2 on the separate pieces. The papers were subsequently folded and placed in a bowl.

The source said Rev. Oshoffa spent more than 15 minutes praying over the papers, reportedly making reference to Acts Chapter 1, before seeking divine direction on the matter.

The two Shepherds were then invited to pick one paper each. AMSE Adeoba reportedly picked number 2, while AMSE Lawal picked number 1.

The Pastor subsequently ruled that the numbers drawn would determine the order of seniority between the two men.

The outcome was publicly announced by Rev. Oshoffa on Sunday, September 27, during the 42nd Annual Adult Harvest Thanksgiving of Celestial Church of Christ, Goshen Cathedral, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

Speaking after the Parish Secretary’s announcements, Rev. Oshoffa reportedly declared AMSE Kule Lawal senior to AMSE Rufus Adeoba.

The Pastor also directed that the matter should not be reopened or subjected to further argument, stating, according to the source, that he had prayed over the process and believed the Holy Spirit had guided the decision.

Seniority is an important matter within the CCC clerical structure and is traditionally determined by considerations including length of service and the period a Shepherd commenced and was sanctified into the fold.

The latest pronouncement is therefore expected to provide a definitive order of seniority between the two Shepherds and bring an end to the prolonged disagreement.

The announcement was made during a service that was also streamed live online, allowing members and viewers beyond the cathedral to witness the pronouncement.

PLEASE HELP REBROADCAST!

SHARE TEST