Pastor Rev. S.B.J. Oshoffa, it is important, at this defining moment in the history of the Church, that the truth be clearly stated and fairly remembered: Elder Pius Ige Olarewaju achieved the dream of the Imeko project, a vision that many spoke about but few had the courage, capacity, and commitment to pursue to completion. The Imeko Basilica project was not merely a construction exercise. It was a spiritual, historical, and prophetic vision rooted in your legacy as the Pastor Founder, Elder Pius Olarewaju embraced this vision wholeheartedly and laboured tirelessly to see it realised.
Against enormous odds, limited trust, internal resistance, and public criticism, he pressed forward, driven not by personal glory, but by devotion to the Church and to your dream.
Papa, it was on record which was witnessed by concerned members that Elder Pius received attacks, condemnation, misinterpretation, and isolation, yet he did not abandon the Church. He was criticised by those who misunderstood his intentions and challenged by those uncomfortable with reform, accountability, and transparency. Still, he remained steadfast.
Rather than retreating, he chose to stand as an advocate of the Church, defending its image, its future, and its spiritual credibility before both members and the wider world. When the Church was under pressure, he did not exploit its weakness; he carried its burden.
Papa, Elder Pius Olarewaju tried, to the best of his ability, to rebuild and protect the original vision of your work. He believed the Church must reflect the values of order, discipline, sacrifice, and integrity that your established. His efforts were never about rewriting history, but about restoring purpose. He understood that your vision was too sacred to be reduced to sentiments or slogans. It required structure, sacrifice, and courageous leadership. That conviction guided his actions, even when it made him unpopular.
It would be unfair to remember Elder Pius only through the lens of controversy while ignoring his monumental contributions. History must record that:
He actualised the Imeko project, a long-held dream of the Church
He invested his strength, credibility, and resources in defending the Church
He endured criticism without abandoning his calling. He remained an advocate of CCC until his last days
May his soul rest in perfect peace. And may his labour for Celestial Church of Christ never be in vain.
