LEKKI, Nigeria – The Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, is in mourning following the deaths of three prominent clerics on the first day of the new year.
Evangelist Oladotun Elusanmi, Shepherd Olumuyiwa Michael, and Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Johnson Olajuwon passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, sending shockwaves through the Celestial community.
Roles and Legacy of the Deceased Clerics
Evangelist Oladotun Elusanmi served as the Shepherd at Orisun Ayo Parish, Ilupeju. Shepherd Olumuyiwa Michael was the Shepherd In-Charge of Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu. Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Johnson Olajuwon, known as JJ, was the prophet at the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu.
The deaths were announced on various social media platforms, with congregants expressing their grief and paying tribute to the late clerics.
Announcements and Reactions
Superior Evangelist Kayode Ajala, the Secretary of the Pastor in Council and Head of Media and Publicity for CCC worldwide, confirmed Olajuwon’s passing in a statement on the church’s official website.
“The suddenness of his passing has left many in shock, as he had read the second lesson at the cross-over service and was bubbling with life until his death early on the first day of the new year, 2025,” Ajala wrote.
Shepherd Olatosho Oshoffa, of the CCC International Headquarters, Ketu, described Olajuwon as a “dedicated, loyal, and truthful servant of God” in a heartfelt message shared on Facebook.
Michael’s death was announced on the Facebook page of CCC Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu, while Elusanmi’s passing was shared on the Instagram account Celestialgeneration.
Warnings Against Superstitious Interpretations
Ajala cautioned against attributing superstitious meanings to the clerics’ deaths, urging the faithful to maintain their Christian belief in God’s timing.
“Death is a necessary end, and it will come at the appropriate time for everyone. People die every day. If three people die in a church as large as Celestial, coincidentally on the same day, I don’t understand why people are making a big deal of it,” he said.
Ajala added, “When Christians begin to treat these things as mysterious, I begin to wonder if we are truly followers of Christ. People shouldn’t attach superstitious meaning to their deaths. We all have our time to go.”
Condolences and Support
The leadership of the Celestial Church expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them of the church’s support during this difficult time.
“The leadership of the church commiserates with the families. As a church, we will continue to pray against sudden death. Even when people don’t die, we pray against sudden death. The church is in mourning. We are deeply pained by this loss,” Ajala said.
