The expectation from God to mankind is to worship and follow His direction in all aspects of life. Religion and moral teachings are not parallel instincts. Nigerian home videos, especially Yoruba movies, serve as a platform to impart moral values and norms to human knowledge.
The continuous abuse of our sacred garment has gone unaddressed, allowing the movie industry, particularly Yoruba actors, to take advantage of our silence and disrespecting our basic ordinances for years. This is not the first time we have experienced such errors from the movie industry, highlighting the failure of those in Celestial authority, regardless of faction.
In 2014, Kunle Afolayan released a movie titled “OCTOBER 1” which explored the influence of the Western world on the development of the African continent. In the movie, a Reverend Father abused a boy. Within 24 hours of the movie’s release, the Catholic authority held a press conference addressing the issue. However, Celestial authority much like Nigerian politicians often turn a blind eye to issues affecting the church’s evolution, rather prioritizing personal gain and rank within Celestial Church over addressing important matters.
The call from social media prompted the CCC spokesman, Senior Evangelist Ajala Kayode to issue a press statement regarding JUBA in 2019. This led to the formation of a three-man committee to investigate the matter, but the report of the committee has not been made public. Now, another picture has surfaced on social media seen Mr Dele Odule wearing a clergy garment within a Celestial Church.
It is challenging for Celestians to acknowledge that we may be the root cause of the issues facing our religious body. Those in positions of authority have chosen to ignore the truth and denying this reality is unfounded, ignorant, and disheartening. We have Celestial members who are actors and actresses, such as M/C Joke Muyiwa (Phd), M/C Toyin Adegbola, M/C Dupe Jayesilmi, Brother Tayo Amokade and others. The church leadership should consider involving these individuals in a new committee to engage with the leadership of THEATER ARTS AND MOTION PICTURES PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (TAMPAN) to clarify our stance as a church.
Recommendation:
It is imperative that a new committee be established without delay, comprising members such as M/C Joke Muyiwa (PhD) and M/C Toyin Adegbola among others. This committee should be tasked with the following objectives:
1) The Pastor must engage in reconciliation with the registered Board of Trustees in accordance with the formal guidelines outlined in the certificate issued by the Ministry of Trade & Commerce. This will ensure that permission is sought when utilizing church property or any associated assets, and legal action can be taken if necessary.
2) Conduct an investigation into music videos, movies, and other media that have portrayed the church in a negative light, and request that necessary corrections be made.
3) Educate Shepherds and Parishes on the importance of upholding celestial integrity and impose sanctions on any individuals who violate these principles.
4) Arrange a meeting with the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Producers Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) and its governing body to educate them on the church’s values and the significance of portraying the church respectfully in their productions.
5) The committee should publish their findings and recommendations for the benefit of all church members.
