It is with a heavy heart that I reflect upon the events that have transpired since your untimely departure one year ago. The situation at hand remains at an impasse, leaving us yearning for the change and progress that you so passionately advocated for.
Allow me to take you back to that fateful Saturday, the 10th of December 2022. On that day, I found myself engaged in a live streaming video with Evang Godsglory Opudu (Coordinator of Celestial Discuss) discussing the unsettling incident that occurred at CCC Ilesha Cathedral during their Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service, It was there that the Osun State Evangelist in a moment of frustration ordered his subordinate to remove a hand-tag from an usher. Little did he know that this incident would mark the beginning of a series of unfortunate events.
Shortly after our conversation, Evang Opudu reached out to inform me of your wife’s urgent request for his attention. It appeared that your response to the medication you were given had caused concern. Tragically, the next call I received shattered our hopes and dreams, it was the news of your departure from this sinful world. However before your passing, you had sent me a voice note on the 8th of December 2022 at precisely 10:32pm in which you shared your thoughts and concerns on some issues in our Church.
Now, a year has passed and the genuine administrative reforms you tirelessly championed for have yet to be realized. Instead, the system has undergone a facelift that surpasses human imagination, while opportunists continue to exploit the weaknesses of the collapsed system.
I am acutely aware of your unwavering desire to see a church where leaders respect their followers, where shepherds are treated with love and where the authority values the opinions of worshippers. You envisioned a church where the instructions of the Pastor Founder serve as the guiding light for administrative decisions, where the teachings and doctrines of the Church shape the actions of its parishes and where the interests of the Church will always be the primary principles for everyone.
It Is a fact that you have successfully fulfilled your assignment on Earth. You have represented the Jonah to the church, echoing God’s warning to Celestial Church. You have served as a torchbearer, cautioning members about their behavioral attitudes. Additionally, you have established an institutionalized platform that provides members with information about their governance. Regardless of the individual, you have consistently advocated against injustice towards shepherds and members. Moreover, you have sent a powerful message to those who oppose progress within Celestial Church of Christ, fostering an atmosphere of open-mindedness.
CNO, as I have always addressed you, you have effectively bridged the gap between the Church and its worshippers. Your bravery, courage and unwavering dedication to Christ make you a true soldier and pillar in Celestial media. You have set an exemplary pace, which unfortunately has attracted the hatred of those who oppose the Church’s progress.
Alonge, while some have continue to rejoice in your departure without any announcement, it is evident that your message to the Church will forever resonate within Celestial Church of Christ and beyond. You embody justice, love, unity and harmony. We are aware that the world is filled with wicked-minded individuals and you were well aware of the challenges that lay ahead when you began exposing the negative actions and inactions within the Church.
The enemies of progress may find solace in your departure, especially at the peak of our collective struggle to reposition, restructure, readjust, and redefine the Church. However, we acknowledge that you have successfully completed the divine work that Oshoffa entrusted you with delivering to the Church.
Honorary Most Senior Evangelist Michael Alonge.
YOU CAME, YOU SAW AND YOU CONQUER.
