The Turmoil and Transformation: Reflecting on the Genesis of CAC Nigeria and Overseas Crisis
The Turmoil and Transformation: Reflecting on the Genesis of CAC Nigeria and Overseas Crisis
By: Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Nigeria and abroad went through a tumultuous period marked by internal conflicts and power struggles. At the centre of this discord was Pastor E.H.L. Olusheye, who emerged as a key figure in what some perceived as a revolutionary movement within the church. As Pastor Olusheye and his supporters sought to redefine the church’s leadership structures and roles, tensions escalated, leading to potential legal challenges regarding their perceived successes. This narrative highlights the complex dynamics within the CAC both in Nigeria and overseas during a time characterised by significant upheaval, which some referred to as a transformative period.
In the midst of the ongoing crisis within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Nigeria and abroad, it is crucial to confront the roots of the discord that has shattered this once-unified institution. Many assert that the prophetic warnings of the revered Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola could have been avoided if decisive leaders had taken strong, proactive measures to avert this fate. Blind allegiance and unquestioning devotion have obscured the truth for some, but it is imperative that we seek clarity and understanding amid the turmoil. This article will expose the intricate factors that have led to the CAC’s current predicament and will outline the necessary steps for achieving reconciliation and restoring unity.
Amidst calls to put the past behind us and forge ahead towards unity and peace within the Christ Apostolic Church in Nigeria and Overseas, it is imperative to recognise that true unity can only be achieved when rooted in honesty and authenticity. Mindlessly moving forward without addressing the foundational issues that have led to the current discord would only perpetuate a fragile peace built on a shaky foundation. Suppose we are to ensure a lasting and robust unity within the CAC. In that case, we must have the courage to confront the uncomfortable truths of our past and acknowledge the mistakes and missteps that have contributed to the division that plagues us today.
To truly move towards a future of unity and prosperity for the CAC, we must heed the wisdom of learning from history and returning to the origins of our mission. By embarking on this journey of self-reflection and introspection, we can uncover the fundamental values and principles that once guided this institution towards greatness. Only by embracing the truth, however painful or inconvenient, can we pave the way for a future where the CAC can shine brightly again as a beacon of faith and harmony. Let us not shy away from the challenges of confronting our past but rather embrace them as necessary steps towards a stronger and more resilient future for the Christ Apostolic Church in Nigeria and Overseas.
Reflecting on the teachings and prophecies of Apostle Babalola serves as a stark reminder that foresight, integrity, and bold leadership are essential in preventing such crises from manifesting. Although obscured by conflicting narratives and allegiances, the truth will ultimately rise to the surface. By acknowledging past mistakes, fostering a culture of accountability, and focusing on transparency and unity, the Christ Apostolic Church in Nigeria and Overseas can emerge more substantial and more resilient from this turmoil. We can navigate towards a brighter and more harmonious future for this venerable institution through introspection, humility, and a genuine commitment to working together.
Furthermore, Salt plays a crucial role in seasoning food, enhancing its flavour, and preserving it. Metaphorically, salt can represent purification and separation, isolating content from impurities or distractions to focus on the core elements. Similarly, in addressing the crisis within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Nigeria and overseas, one must actively participate as a member or leader to propose effective solutions. The saying that “you cannot be a solution if you are part of the problem” is often debated in this context, as being part of the whole picture is essential for achieving victory.
Understanding the root causes of the crisis is pivotal in discussions aimed at resolving the issues within the CAC. Just as salt needs to be present to fulfil its purpose and a soldier must engage in battle to win a war, active involvement is necessary to bring about positive change and resolution in challenging situations. In all this, we must explore the reasons on how CAC Nigeria and Overseas got here in the first instance.
The roots of the ongoing CAC crisis stretch long before 1990, with a gradual escalation in disciplinary issues due to a lack of proper administration within the Church. Pastors involved in scandalous behaviour were often shielded or transferred instead of facing the consequences, leading to an atmosphere of indiscipline. In 1983, after the death of Pastor E.T. Latunde, a power struggle ensued over the appointment of the following Church president.
The Good Women Society prophesied in favour of Pastor A.O.A. Olutimehin. They declared that if the leaders did not appoint Pastor A.O.A. Olutimehin as the president, the Church would face repercussions for years. Some key leaders who supported this prophecy included Pastor N.E. Udofia, Pastor J.O. Adegoroye, and Prophet T.O. Obadare. Despite their efforts to put Olutimehin in power, a contentious political atmosphere emerged within the Supreme Council. This led to a compromise where Pastor Orogun was allowed to serve as president temporarily before retiring. However, upon assuming the presidency, Orogun reneged on the retirement agreement, displaying animosity towards those who opposed his appointment.
In 1990, a group of pastors, mainly ordained in 1989, formed the Christ’s Initiatives Forum to aid the Church financially. Members, including Pastors Makinde, Faboya, and the affluent G.A. Tewogbade, exposed their true motives at the Pastors Conference in Ilesha that year. Accusing the leadership of mismanagement and lack of transparency, they criticised the existence of a “church within a church” led by Prophet Obadare. This group also opposed Obadare’s appointment as Chairman of the finance committee due to his blindness, overlooking the financial improvements achieved under his tenure. The younger Forum members’ audacious remarks at the conference provoked anger among other pastors, triggering an abrupt end and setting the stage for further conflict.
The ensuing tension prompted the Church leaders to convene a meeting of the Supreme Council to address the Forum members’ concerns. However, before this meeting, the Forum group sought legal intervention, obtaining an injunction to prevent the Council from gathering without giving the other side a chance to speak. Pastor Johnson Olabisi facilitated the delivery of this injunction, marking the beginning of internal discord within the Church.
Subsequently, President Orogun instructed General Secretary Pastor Udofia to expel Prophet Obadare from CAC. When Udofia objected on constitutional grounds, Orogun went a step further and dismissed Udofia despite the absence of any provision for such action in the Church’s constitution. You can see that a compromise led to Pastor Orogun taking the position instead. This decision sparked resentment and set the stage for future conflicts.
By reflection, in 1990, a group of newly ordained pastors formed the Christ’s Initiatives Forum, critiquing the Church’s financial transparency and leadership. Their accusations at a conference led to anger among older pastors, culminating in a court injunction preventing the Supreme Council from meeting. President Orogun then attempted to unilaterally expel Prophet Obadare, sparking further chaos within the Church.
Key leaders’ failure to resist Orogun’s actions escalated the crisis, leading to the current state of conflict within the CAC. Momentarily, The Christ’s Initiatives Forum members unveiled their true intentions during the 1990 Pastors Conference in Ilesha. Given the platform by President Orogun to address the conference, they openly criticised the Church leadership for mismanagement and lack of financial transparency. They specifically highlighted the issue of a “church within a church,” where Prophet Obadare ran a separate ministry while serving as a pastor in CAC and utilising the church’s name to attract followers to his ministry. The Forum members also questioned Obadare’s appointment as Chairman of the finance committee due to his visual impairment.
However, they did not acknowledge the positive financial changes under his leadership in the finance department. The accusations at the conference incited anger among other pastors present, viewing the Forum members’ actions as disrespectful, especially considering their brief tenure in pastoral ministry. The conference ended abruptly as pastors departed in frustration. Sensing escalating tensions, the Church leaders convened a meeting of the Supreme Council, the Church’s governing body, which proposed inviting the Forum members to the next gathering. However, before this meeting, the Forum group preemptively sought legal intervention and obtained an ex-parte injunction restraining the Supreme Council from holding further meetings. Pastor Johnson Olabisi, who has since passed away, accompanied the court Bailiff to the meeting venue and identified the leaders to be served with the court order.
Subsequently, of particular significance was Pastor E.H.L. Olusheye, who emerged as the key orchestrator behind the actions of the Forum. Together with a handful of others, they labelled their movement a “revolution.” They swiftly dismantled the Supreme Council by ceremoniously rebranding their governing body as the General Executive Council (GEC), with Pastor J. Obafemi appointed as President and Pastor Olusheye assuming the role of General Superintendent.
The rebellion, arrogantly self-labelled as a revolution, may have appeared victorious in their narrow view. However, they utterly failed to grasp the vital importance of the Church’s Certificate of Incorporation (registered in 1985, with number 147), which later emerged as an insurmountable legal and moral obstacle.
Unbeknownst to them, the Church’s legal operations depended on the Certificate of Incorporation, obtained initially in 1943. Following the demise of all initial trustees listed on the Certificate, a new one was secured in 1985, featuring the principal officers, including Pastor Udofia. However, an unforeseen obstacle arose as the Certificate remained under the guardianship of Pastor Udofia, whom they had allegedly expelled, prompting a legal quandary that would persist for years to come.
The description provided sheds light on the power struggle within the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), specifically involving Pastor E.H.L. Olusheye and others who orchestrated what they termed a “revolution” within the Church’s leadership structure. This revolution led to the establishment of a new governing council called the General Executive Council, with Pastor J. Obafemi as President and Pastor Olusheye as General Superintendent.
However, despite their perceived success in the revolution, it became apparent that they needed the Church’s Certificate of Incorporation to function legally and legitimately. The Church’s Certificate was obtained in 1943 and renewed in 1985, with trustees including Pastor Udofia, who was among those purportedly dismissed by the new leadership.
The legal implications of the Church’s Certificate being in the custody of a dismissed officer added a layer of complexity to the power struggle and leadership crisis within the CAC. This highlighted the importance of legal governance structures and the Certificate of Incorporation in the functioning and legitimacy of religious institutions.
Ultimately, the struggle for power and control within the CAC, coupled with legal and governance issues, created a challenging and tumultuous period for the Church and its members since then till date.
In conclusion, and for now, as Pastor Olusheye and his allies navigated the turmoil within the Christ Apostolic Church, their actions reverberated with far-reaching consequences. From the renaming of governing bodies to the legal entanglements surrounding the Church’s Certificate, the turbulence within the CAC reflected deeper rifts and power struggles. The unresolved tensions and challenges faced by the church underscored the complexities of leadership transitions and organisational changes, underscoring the importance of legal foundations in navigating such transformative periods within religious institutions.
… to be continued at a later date!
Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, a Pastor, Professor, Protestant Theologian and General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, writes from London.
