The leadership of Celestial Church of Christ, United Kingdom Diocese, under the administration of Assistant Most Superior Evangelist Bola Olaleye, has expressed profound appreciation to the Spiritual Head of Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, His Eminence Reverend Pastor E.M.F. Oshoffa, following the successful completion of his five-day pastoral visit to the United Kingdom. In an official statement issued by the Diocese, the leadership described the visit as another significant opportunity to strengthen the spiritual relationship between the worldwide leadership and Celestians in the United Kingdom, while appreciating His Eminence’s fatherly leadership, commitment and dedication to the growth and welfare of the church.
During the visit, His Eminence reportedly held an engagement with the UK Diocese executives and trustees, where he charged the leadership to remain committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ, preserve the doctrines and liturgical practices of Celestial Church of Christ, and work collectively towards the spiritual advancement and expansion of the church. A significant highlight of the engagement was his approval of a designated percentage of the Diocese’s income for youth development and empowerment, demonstrating his commitment to investing in the younger generation and ensuring the continued relevance, growth and expansion of the church, particularly in the Western world. He also emphasised the importance of sustaining the divine mandate of the Pastor Founder, Saint SBJ Oshoffa.
Meanwhile, the UK Diocese has addressed rumours and speculations surrounding the alleged anointment exercise during the Spiritual Head’s visit, maintaining that no anointment exercise was scheduled as part of the five-day pastoral programme. According to the Diocese, the visit was strictly pastoral, focusing on spiritual engagement, prophetic blessings, prayers for members and an opportunity for His Eminence to interact with and assess the newly appointed diocesan leadership. The Diocese consequently dismissed allegations suggesting that its leadership attempted to undermine the authority of His Eminence regarding anointment exercises, describing such claims as misleading and unfounded. It urged members and the general public to disregard unsubstantiated information capable of creating unnecessary divisions within the church.
The statement further maintained that the priority of His Eminence remains the spiritual growth, unity, institutional development and expansion of Celestial Church of Christ in the United Kingdom, rather than monetary considerations. It also highlighted the progress recorded since the appointment of the new diocesan leadership under AMSE Bola Olaleye in March 2026, particularly in addressing divisions, strengthening relationships and promoting administrative cooperation. The Diocese therefore called on shepherds, executives, members and other stakeholders to remain united and focused on building a stronger church rather than allowing rumours and divisive narratives to undermine the progress being achieved.
Concluding the statement, the Head of the Diocese, AMSE Bola Olaleye, expressed heartfelt appreciation to members across the United Kingdom for their sacrifices, commitment, cooperation and contributions towards the successful hosting of His Eminence’s pastoral visit. Special recognition was extended to the shepherds, diocesan executives, departments, groups and individuals who participated in the planning and execution of the programme. He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon all members and encouraged them to sustain the spirit of unity, love and collective responsibility in advancing the mission of Celestial Church of Christ across the United Kingdom.
