The United Nations Charter law empowers every country to respect individuals’ rights to express their opinions in accordance with the law, regardless of any authority. Additionally, every country within their constitutional provisions grants their citizens the right to speak their minds on any matter within their respective areas.
The Pastor Founder reiterated the principle of abiding by the laws of the establishment of Celestial Church of Christ in every country. He mandated the first set of Board of Trustees to align the Church’s laws with the laws of each country. The Pastor Founder understood that citizens would demand accountability, transparency, equality, fairness, and justice in the management of the Church.
Celestial Church is subject to the Constitution of Nigeria, as well as the laws of other countries where the Church operates. The Church’s basic ordinances do not allow for an authoritarian style of leadership, nor does the Church Constitution grant sole ownership or control of the administrative system to any individual.
In May 2022, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, in a case filed by the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside, ruled that defamation of character can only be considered when the facts presented before a competent court of jurisdiction are not fabricated.
The question to ask is: Is the demand for the removal of the Head of the UK Diocese unfounded?
1) Has the Pastor not received delegates from the “Concerned Shepherds/Church Workers UK Diocese” at his residence in Benin Republic?
2) Has the Pastor not instructed that the Concerned Shepherds should directly submit their monthly returns to Ketu, by passing the Head of Diocese?
3) Has the Pastor not received a letter requesting the removal of the Head of Diocese?
So, where is the false allegation that the Head of Diocese has brought to the attention of the Nigeria Police? Section 213 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria only categorized charms has offense item’s when it used to attack, robbery, etc but not when someone is alleged of voodoo charms to control someone else.
For 39 years, Prophet SBJ Oshoffa implemented a sound administrative system that accommodated respect for God and individuals. The Pastor Founder never imposed his own interests on others while establishing various duties within the Church structure. The Pastor Founder mandated the Board of Trustees as the Executive arm of Government, while the Pastor in Council operated as the Legislative arm of Government. The combination of the BOT and PIC stood as the Judiciary.
His successor, Late Rev AA Bada, held the leadership role with great esteem and contributed to the evolution of the Church without abusing the rights of others, despite facing challenges from a foundational member of the first-ever Board of Trustees. The third Pastor, Late Rev Ajose, did not last a year in office, making it inappropriate to measure his style of leadership.
The current Pastor inherited these three styles of leadership from his predecessor. However, he has been involved in more internal crises than his predecessor. The current leadership has been struggling with a lack of ordained principles to manage the Church, leading to a complete disregard for the collective interest of the Church.
The debate on whether members have the right to draw the attention of the Pastor to unfortunate events at the United Kingdom Diocese of the Church should not be used as an avenue to threaten members with Police. Nigeria is a sovereign state where laws are made to guide its citizens, not to threaten those who hold different opinions. The Nigeria Police Force Act provides proper investigation procedures for reported cases, and it is highly condemnable for individuals to use their influence, money, and political positions to protect citizens’ rights to express their opinions.
The Head of the UK Diocese should remember that someone previously held the position he currently occupies, and he cannot remain in this role indefinitely. The court of public opinion has called for his removal from office, and everyone has the right to express their views.
If the Head of Diocese chooses to use internal force to ignore popular demand, it will only hasten his rejection from the position. The demand for his removal has escalated beyond mere threats of arrest, indicating that the Head of Diocese is determined to cling to power despite the clear lack of support from thousands of Christian faithful who have criticized his leadership abilities.
Several shepherds have publicly expressed their dissatisfaction with the Head of Diocese, and even his Deputy Heads of Diocese have distanced themselves from him. The rejection from the faithful clearly demonstrates that his continued tenure as Head of Diocese is unacceptable. The facts presented to every member of the Celestian community will provide Pastor Rev EMF Oshoffa with ample justification to restructure and restore the Diocese to its original position as the first ever Diocese in the Western world, through the appointment of a new Head.
It would be wise for the Head of Diocese to step down from his position when the ovation is gradually losing it frequency.
