The Eternal Honours Orimolade’s Legacy, Flags Off Centenary in Ikare

The sleepy town of Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State came alive on Wednesday as The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (The Eternal) commenced its centenary celebration at the birthplace of its founder, St. Moses Orimolade Tunolase.

The family house of the revered spiritual leader in Okorun Quarters hosted the world press conference, which marked the beginning of a series of commemorative events lined up for the church’s 100th anniversary.

Speaking during the press briefing held in conjunction with the New Seraph Evangelical Ministries, the Secretary General of The Eternal, Sup. Gen. Apo. Professor Iyiomo Oyetakin, described the celebration as a divine milestone and a return to the spiritual roots of the church.

Elder Oyetakin, who was flanked by notable leaders in the church, also revisited Orimolade’s early missionary work, beginning in 1916, and his prophetic journeys across Nigeria.

According to him, these formative events culminated in the formal founding of the church in September 1925.

Oyetakin also declared for the records that before the founding of C & S, no church in Nigeria had experienced the manifestations of Holy Ghost fire, speaking in tongues, and the spiritual authority to combat agents of darkness.

 “The success of this Holy Order should not be measured merely by bricks and mortar but rather in the fulfilment of its divine mandate. As the first Pentecostal church in Nigeria, many founders of churches in Nigeria and across the world were first converted through C & S. Their spiritual growth led to divine callings, prompting them to establish their own ministries.

“Furthermore, St. Moses Orimolade Tunolase was the first African to establish a church in an environment predominantly controlled by foreign missionaries. His efforts paved the way for many others to establish churches that recognise local languages, music and cultures without compromising their devotion to God,” he added.

His Eminence Vice Baba Aladura J.O.A Oladapo Jp, congratulated the church while noting that the order which started from the town had spread all over the world.

On his part, the Owa Ale of Ikare, Oba Kolapo Adegbite Adedoyin, called for unity among members of the church.

He also stated emphatically that, while other renowned men of God were called by God, St Moses Orimolade was indeed sent by God to the world for miraculous works.

“If you look at the Pentecostal churches today, you will see their roots in the church. Their spiritual leaders started from the C & S church. So let us hold what belongs to us firmly,” he added.

The monarch also urged the church to give proper attention to the family house of the late founder and give it a modern outlook.

Dep. Baba Aladura Friday Ngbodi, representing The New Seraph, said the centenary was not merely a celebration of longevity, but a divine reminder of “our enduring mandate – to uphold holiness, love, reconciliation, and unwavering faith in Christ.”

“As The New Seraph, we are humbled to serve in this divine assignment and to lead the Empowerment Initiative, ensuring that this centenary not only blesses the spirit but uplifts lives practically, he added.

Other hosts of eminent clerics present were His Eminence Baba Aladura General G. O. Tunolase JP (Arole Mose 1);  Chairman of the Centenary Anniversary Central Planning Committee, Snr Supt Ap (Engr) Niyi Afolabi who delivered the closing remarks, Chairman, Media & Publicity Sub Committee, Snr Supt Apostle Muyiwa Adeyemi; Most Supt Apo E Olagbemi; Mother Captain E. Iyiola and a host of others.