The leadership of our Church is currently facing a predicament that stems from a deep-rooted lack of loyalty among its authority figures. This absence of loyalty has created a void that is proving difficult to fill. It brings to mind a statement made by one time Governor of Lagos State & Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN during his senate confirmation hearing on October 14th, 2015. He said, “The concept of loyalty is a very strange one. My prayer is that our loyalty never be tested.” However, few people only understand the context in which Fashola made this famous quote. His underlying message was that when it comes to loyalty, everyone has a breaking point that tests their limits.
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the relationship between Pastor Rev EMF Oshoffa and the members of the registered Board of Trustees (BOT) led by M/S/E Banjo. The concept of loyalty is as old as human interaction itself and it has been a subject of contemplation for philosophers and prophets throughout history. Philosophers define loyalty as a practical disposition to persist in an intrinsically valued associational attachment, which involves a potentially costly commitment to secure or, at the very least, not jeopardize the interests or well-being of the object of loyalty.
Rev EMF Oshoffa & M/S/E Oshin.
Loyalty is a virtue that friends and families expect from one another, and it is something that countries strive to foster. However, in the case of our Church’s authority figures, loyalty seems to have been tainted by negative stereotypes. It is crucial that we address this issue head-on and work towards restoring a sense of trust and commitment within our Church’s leadership.
However, there is a school of thought that argues loyalty is not devoid of values. This intriguing concept is explored in a conversation between God and Satan in the Bible. The account can be found in the Book of Job, 1 vs 9 to 11: “Then Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.”
Satan’s argument implies that people’s loyalty to a cause or individual is contingent upon the material or political benefits they derive from the relationship. Once these benefits are removed, all bets are off. Job had been blessed with everything he could ever desire, and Satan was confident that Job’s loyalty was solely dependent on God’s favors. Satan proposed that if God were to take away Job’s possessions, his family and even his home, Job’s loyalty would waver. However, Job ultimately proved his unwavering loyalty, although such steadfastness is not commonly observed in our world today.
Rev EMF Oshoffa & M/S/E Nunayon
Stripped of all pretenses, the conflict between Rev EMF Oshoffa and M/S/E Banjo appears to revolve around a power struggle within Celestial Church of Christ rather than being driven by ideals, principles or the welfare of the general congregation. This is why those of us who choose sides in this battle must exercise caution.
To be continued…………..
