Apata Ipile Otito @ 75: A training ground for prominent, honest leaders

The Minister-in-charge, Snr. Supt I.H Goungo, has said the church has trained and produced many prominent and honest leaders within the Cherubuim and Seraphim fold.

Goungo proudly announced this during a press conference held in commemoration of the 75th year of existence of the church. 

The press conference held on Sunday, 20th March 2022 at the church  auditorium.

The cleric disposed that the church’s product are now ministers in charge, prophets, prophetesses, and leaders of their various established branches of Eternal.

It was gathered that the church produced the present Supreme Head of the E. S. O. C&S worldwide, His Eminence Pro. (Dr) M. I. O. Ebahor J.P DD (Eyi Ara), and the recent head of prophet and prophetess of the C&S Unification Church of Nigeria, Supt. Gen. Ap. Pro. (Dr) J. A. Esan and many others too numerous to mention who are working tirelessly in God's vineyard to uplift the glory of Eternal.

Goungo further announced that the anniversary will comprise series of events ranging from the press conference to hymnal service, open-air crusade, visitation to the orphanage, Musical concert, Bands day/dining with the Minister in Charge, e.t.c.

These events are aimed at celebrating God's faithfulness and covenant over the church of God.

The minister in charge in his speech gave a background on the history of the church, "In 1947, a remarkable leader, Elder Samson Mobolaji Ajose, who has been with the founder, Saint Moses since 1924 sought approval from late Baba Aladura Peter Omojola Tunolase to conduct Wednesday service in Iwaya, Yaba Lagos. The fellowship later became a branch of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Hotonu Mother Church. 

Baba Aladura Peter Omojola Tunolase supervised and oversee the progress of the branch for 2years. He then gave many blessings to the extent that he said that Iwaya will be a city of Mary (Ilu Maria) where there will be peace and God's protection for all those residing in it, no evil shall befall them. 
 
Baba Peter Omojola Tunolase breathed his last breath and gave up the ghost when he said (O’ kaya) in Elder S. M. Ajose's room in 1949. Late Elder Jacob Adebanjo Ifemade became Baba Aladura in succession to Baba Peter Omojola Tunolase in 1951.

At this time a branch of Sacred C&S church was also in existence, they have their site at Oyewale street Iwaya and headed by a highly endowed prophet Late Elder Olatunji Agbelekarile. This church also has a reasonable number of devoted members.

Baba Aladura J. A. Ifemade took a courageous and glorious step to bring the Sacred C&S to Eternal and merge them to become one branch under Hotonu Mother Church.

The two leaders (Ajose and Agbelekarile) agreed to become one and ready to serve under one another with their followers this was a joy of Baba Aladura J. A. Ifemade that the merging was successful. Hence the appellation “APATA IPILE OTITO"."

The Deputy Minister in charge, Snr Supt.Apostle. Pro. J. A. Adekunle also spoke on the value of the church in the Iwaya community, stated that the church has been so much help in the growth of the community and also made a borehole for peoples to use.

One of the founding members of the church, Superintendent B.M. Hunpatin who is now the Superintendent of the Praying Band C&S in Badagry and the former president of the army of salvation in Badagry spoke on the impact the church had in his life and how it has helped him enlarge the vineyard of God and the army of salvation in Badagry and its environment.

The number one female of the church, Most.Snr. Apostolic Mother A. I Banjoko said the Good women society of the Eternal Sacred Order of the C&S church started at the church and has been waxing stronger.

Goungo spoke on the future of the church that he is rest assured that by the time the church will be celebrating her 100th anniversary the church will be able to testify that truly the latter glory is greater than the former.

As we all know that insecurity and economic challenges are facing our dear country at this time, I urge all members to be careful and vigilant as we go about our daily activities. Likewise, as we are approaching the General election in the country, I implore everyone to continue to pray for our dear Country that God should give us good leaders who will direct the affairs of this Country rightly. I, therefore, pray that God will intervene and heal our dear Country Nigeria, He added.

Also present was the secretary of the church, Supt Apostle. Pro. A.B Olagboye, Supt.Apostle I.F Agemo, Supt Apostle J.A Mobosola, Supt.Apostle E.T Adekunle, Supt Apostle S.A Otubugunwa, Most.Snr.Apostolic Mother Pro. Olawale, the matron of the Church Snr.Apostolic Mother M.B. Ogunsanya, Snr Apostolic Mother A.Y Goungo, Chairman of the 75th-anniversary committee, Special Apostle Olamilekan Bello, among others.