The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on Nigerians to pray more for the country and its leaders, especially President Bola Tinubu, as the Cherubim and Seraphim Church marked its 100 years of existence.
Speaking on Tuesday during the centenary thanksgiving at Seraphim Land, Maba, Ogun State, the monarch described the celebration as proof of a strong spiritual foundation.
“This celebration is an indication of a true foundation. I want you to put all our leaders into prayers with this centenary celebration, particularly President Bola Tinubu. Let us remember him in our prayers so that he can lead us right,” the Ooni said.
The C&S Church, founded on September 9, 1925, is regarded as Nigeria’s first indigenous church. Over the years, it has grown into millions of followers spread across Nigeria, West Africa, Europe, and North America. Known for its white garments, prophetic services, and focus on prayer and fasting, the church has remained a major force in African Christianity.
The Supreme Head of the church, Solomon Alao, said the centenary signaled a brighter future for the church and the nation. “God has blessed Nigeria with this sect. The radiance of today’s celebration will be seen across the country, and you will begin to see changes from this month. We have laid a foundation for others to build on. The future of the church is very bright,” he said.
Also speaking, the chairperson of the centenary steering committee, Esther Ajayi, stressed the importance of love. “We should keep loving. The central habit of Christendom is love. God loves us so much, and with love, we can’t miss it. Nigeria needs your love at this time, as does the world in general,” she said.
As part of the celebration, a centenary awards dinner was held in Lagos on Sunday, where 100 members were honoured. Speaking at the event, the Spiritual Head of the C&S Movement Church, Emmanuel Alogbo, represented by Secretary-General Anthony Samaye, said, “Our fathers worked in the way of the Lord as the Holy Spirit directed them. They are rejoicing today, just as we are happy about this development.”
Jerry Pandonu, representing the head of the C\&S Society, described the awards as “good and satisfactory.”
In Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, where the church’s founder, St. Moses Orimolade, was born, Elder George Tunolase urged unity among members. “I have been preaching love and unity among our members. I travelled to the United Kingdom thrice to speak with members there on the need for us to come together and move the church forward in unity,” he said.
The Chairman of the centenary celebration, Dr. Gabriel Awelewa, disclosed that the founder’s family house and burial site in Ikare-Akoko would be developed into a tourist attraction.
Oba Adefemi Adedoyin, the Owa Ale of Ikare-Akoko, represented by High Chief Adebisi Olanrewaju, urged the church to also focus on community development. “What we are doing today is history tomorrow. Orimolade spent 54 years and made a landmark. He fulfilled his destiny. He was a prince, and we want the church to make an impact in this community in terms of development,” he said.
