The Parochial Committee of Celestial Church of Christ New York Parish, USA has responded to a letter reportedly circulated on social media by AVSE Olubayo Olasokan, dismissing the allegations contained in the letter as false, misleading, and far from the truth. The committee maintained that its actions are guided by the interests of the parish and carried out with due respect for the authority of the Pastor.
Speaking on the matter, the Chairman of the Parochial Committee, AVSE Kehinde Babalola Sanni, strongly rejected the claims attributed to the letter, describing them as a misrepresentation of the actual situation in the parish. He maintained that the committee remains committed to the proper administration of the church and is working to protect the interests of the parish and its members.
Addressing the reported meetings held on 3rd October 2026 with the Pastor, the chairman disputed the account presented by AVSE Olubayo Olasokan, insisting that the information contained in the circulated letter did not accurately reflect what transpired during the meeting. According to him, Assistant Most Superior Evangelist Adeniyi, the Head of Administration of the church, was responsible for taking the minutes of the meeting, which he said would provide a clearer account of the discussions.
The chairman also strongly denied the allegation that the parish was indebted to the tune of $500,000 describing the claim as untrue. He maintained that, as chairman of the Parish Committee, he was familiar with the financial position of the parish and insisted that the parish was not indebted to any individual or government authority. He further stated that the parish had been meeting its utility obligations in accordance with the relevant requirements.
On the allegation concerning an outstanding financial obligation involving former Shepherd VSE Yusuf daughter, the Parochial Committee Chairman acknowledged that a business transaction took place between him and the former Shepherd’s daughter in 2018. According to his account, the daughter had requested that he invest some money on her behalf. However, he explained that the business subsequently collapsed following the effects of the financial crisis in the United States, resulting in the financial disagreement between them.
He further explained that the issue reportedly resurfaced after the meeting when the former Shepherd’s daughter allegedly confronted him over the money she claimed was owed to her. According to the chairman, some parish members intervened, advising that the disagreement was a private business matter between the individuals involved and should not be treated as a financial liability of the church. He maintained that any outstanding misunderstanding between the parties should be resolved separately without involving the parish in their personal financial dealings.
The Parochial Committee chairman reiterated that the committee had assumed responsibility for the administrative affairs of the parish while recognising the authority of the Pastor over the parish. He questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported disturbance of the Shepherd’s position, although further clarification would be required to establish the full details of that aspect of the controversy.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the allegations and counter-allegations circulating on social media concerning the administration and financial affairs of Celestial Church of Christ, New York Archdiocese, USA. While the Parochial Committee has firmly rejected the claims by AVSE Olubayo Olasokan.
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