…Prophetess Akerele-fashina vows to focus on evangelism
The imposing cathedral of Oke Igbala Ayo Spiritual Church of Christ situated at Isolo, Lagos, was filled to the brim on Saturday, September 19, as friends, family and relatives turned up to felicitate with Rev. Apostole Pro. Rachael Akerele-Fashina on her Installation and inauguration as the Primate and Spiritual head of the church.
The programme witnessed the presence of renowned clerics led by the His Eminence Baba Aladura Pro. Lekan Akintayo of Mount Sinai C&S Church who also doubled as the installation minister.
The newly installed primate emerged as the predecessor of the late founder of the church, Her Eminence Holy Mother Josephine Ayodeji NUGA.
Late Mother Josephine who was the spiritual mother of the new primate passed away on August 15, 2018.
The well attended programme, however, held amid pomp, just as the installation and enthronement processes were diligently observed.
It started at the point where the officiating ministers which include: Rev . Apostle Josish Modupe Ogunjobi , Snr. Pastor (Arc.) Andrew Olufemi Akinnubi and Pastor Christopher Olusegun Olugbile presented the new primate before the elders and the congregation.
This was followed by the consecration of installation materials, as well as oath taking which was moderated by a Honourable Justice.
At the 40th anniversary of the church in 2011, the new primate was prepped as a successor, as she was installed as the ‘Arole’ of the founder.
Speaking on how it all started, she said, “I have been in the church for well over 50 years. We’ve been together from the inception of the church. God was favourable on to me as I least expected it, because I was just serving my God. But God deemed it fit to place it divinely on my mother in the Lord’s heart to install me as her ‘Arole’ who will take over after her demise.”
On how she feels having succeeded the founder, she claimed to have left everything in God’s hand, as she also count on the Holy spirit to lead her aright.
“I hand everything over to God because He instituted the commission Himself. My mother will say, ‘I am not the owner of the church, Ronke, you are not the owner of the church. God is the one that has called you to till the fallow ground.’ So I handed over everything to God, knowing fully well that I’m just a mortal being. And I know that he will endow me with the Holy Spirit and He will lead me aright. I will not do what He doesn’t want. But whatever will give Him glory, He will allow freely by His grace.”
The new primate however shed light on the plans she wishes to execute in her new capacity as the new spiritual head. She also spoke on her plans to cover from where Mama stopped.
According to her, “Mama was such a wonderful woman, as well as a wonderful founder. She gives God free hand. Before she died, she has been experiencing the power of God in my life. Even in her lifetime, the Lord has been using me for the commission. So as at now, apart from taking it up from where she stopped, the heart of God which is evangelism will be pursued vigorously to the developmental growth of the church and expansion of God’s kingdom. By expecting His second coming, while everybody’s life manifests God’s given destiny by the commission of the word of God.”
The primate while taking the oath swore an allegiance to do all as being divinely empowered to be a good example for spiritual leadership like her predecessor.
She also declared to care for the spiritual needs of the church members at home and abroad, as well as admonishing and encouraging them to rely solely on the efficacy of prayers. This, she declared amongst other dispositions expected of her in her new capacity.
In his exhortation, Bishop Prophet Dr. T.O.S Owoeye JP of C&S Church, Imole Olorun Ntan, Agbala Anu, admonished everyone present to ensure they live a life worthy of making the works of their hands speak.
He said this is expected of a Christian running the heavenly race.
Also observed on the sideline of the programme which spanned over four hours was the Holy Communion which the congregation partook in.
Describing her as a loving and committed Mother, Snr Supt. Apo. Pro. Festus Ojo JP of Eritedo C&S Church, said the new primate has paid her dues before getting to where she is today. He added that she has equally served diligently.
Another guest present, Elder Kunle Hamilton who is the Shepherd of Celestial Church of Christ, Praiseville, described her as a stunning emblem of Christ.
According to him, Mama blesses people regardless of age or gender. She loves from the heart. She humbles herself even though God has exalted her. “And that is why you see so many people turn out at her installation and ordination,” he added.
The Covid-19 directives were observed in the course of the programme.
All about Cherubim and Seraphim Church, wordwide
