MABA, Ogun State — The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the country and its leaders, particularly President Bola Tinubu, as the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church marked its centenary thanksgiving on Tuesday at Seraphim Land, Maba.
Speaking at the event, the monarch described the 100-year milestone as proof of the church’s 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.
Founded on September 9, 1925, by St. Moses Orimolade, the C&S Church is widely regarded as Nigeria’s first indigenous church. It has since grown into multiple branches with millions of adherents across Nigeria, West Africa, Europe, and North America. Known for its distinctive white garments, prophetic services, and emphasis on prayer and fasting, the church remains a major force in African Christianity.
The Supreme Head of the church, Solomon Alao, said the centenary celebration was not only historic but also spiritually significant.
“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, the chairperson of the centenary steering committee, Esther Ajayi, emphasized the centrality of love to Christianity.
“We should keep loving. The central habit of Christendom is love. Nigeria needs your love at this time, as does the world in general,” she said.
The centenary celebration featured a series of events, including a dinner and awards ceremony in Lagos on Sunday, where 100 members were honoured across different categories. At the dinner, the Spiritual Head of the C&S Movement Church, Emmanuel Alogbo, represented by Secretary-General Anthony Samaye, praised the commitment of the church’s founding fathers.
Similarly, Jerry Pandonu, representing the spiritual head of the C&S Society, described the awards as “good and satisfactory.”
On Tuesday, activities also held at the family house of the founder in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, where Elder George Tunolase, regarded as a spiritual leader of the church, called for greater 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 plans were underway to transform Orimolade’s family house and burial site into a tourist attraction, with facilities for prayer and sightseeing.
The Owa Ale of Ikare-Akoko, Oba Adefemi Adedoyin, represented by High Chief Adebisi Olanrewaju, urged the church to make visible contributions to the founder’s hometown.
“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.
