Today, 18th October 2026, marks 41 years since the final burial of the Founder of the Celestial Church of Christ, Reverend Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa, whose remains were laid to rest at Imeko, Ogun State, Nigeria, on 18th October 1985. Four decades after his burial, his name remains deeply rooted in the history and spiritual heritage of the Celestial Church of Christ, which he established in 1947 in Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin.
Pastor Founder Rev. SBJ Oshoffa’s ministry gave birth to a spiritual movement that has spread across nations, bringing together millions of worshippers under the banner of the Celestial Church of Christ. His life and legacy remain a source of reflection for Celestians worldwide, particularly regarding the importance of faith, holiness, discipline, evangelism and commitment to the doctrines and traditions of the church.
As Celestians remember the 41st anniversary of his burial, the occasion presents an opportunity to honour his memory and reflect on the responsibility of preserving the spiritual heritage he left behind. Beyond remembrance, his legacy challenges present and future generations to pursue unity, peace, responsible leadership and the continued proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Forty-one years after his burial, Pastor Founder Rev. SBJ Oshoffa remains an enduring figure in the history of the Celestial Church of Christ.
