By Wilson Adekumola
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed how he compromised the Lagos-Abeokuta express road to spare the grave of Saint Moses Orimolade founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, situated by the Ijaiye bus stop along the Lagos Abeokuta express road.
He said he insisted that the road be diverted at the Ijaiye end so as to spare the grave when the road was being reconstructed during his tenure. This was contrary to the earlier plan that the road should pass through the grave site
He made this known at the dedication of a magnificent complex named Saint Moses Orimolade Holyland at Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos on Saturday, February 7.
Obasanjo who came to the event in the company of several other dignitaries said at the event that he was particularly grateful for witnessing the dedication of the building complex
Moses Orimolade burial ground
From left, Rev Mother Esther Ajayi, her husband, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and another guest at the event
He said, “I did not know that it would result in what we are doing here today. If I had agreed with the contractor that we should not bend the road, the burial ground would have been removed and the body of the late Saint Orimolade would have been exhumed.
This edifice or this occasion would not have been possible. And if at all we are having this occasion, it would not be here. I am proud seeing this edifice put together to commemorate the life, death, and history of Cherubim and Seraphim in Nigeria and the world at large.”
He said further that though the Christian faith did not originate from Nigeria, Nigerians “many of our people have made tremendous contributions towards its growth and they have become unsung heroes.”
While commending those behind the initiative of the magnificent edifice, he said, “God helped them to make it happened. We are now singing the songs of our past heroes. Yes, the missionaries came but we have our own missionaries, we have our own leaders who influence the Christian faith and spread it in our land. Moses Orimolade was one of them.”
Obasanjo, while urging the enthusiastic crowd at the event to do away with unscriptural things and embrace Jesus, said, “It is the because of the establishment of the Church of Christ you and I have the assurance of salvation and assurance of life after death and we must not forget those missionaries. They did their part and our church leaders must play their part as well so that you and I can enjoy the benefit of the salvation of Jesus Christ that has been given to us only by God almighty.”
He said what is happening in Nigeria does not indicate that we are inviting or preparing for the kingdom of God to reign supreme in our lives. “But if we do what we should do God will make His kingdom reign supreme in our lives and that is my prayer for every one of you.”
In his sermon at the event The Senior Pastor of Love of Christ Generation Church C&S London, Reverend Ademuyiwa Ajayi who spoke on the theme; ‘Come and See’, said people thought good thing could not come out of Nazareth but God made our Saviour Jesus Christ come out from there. He then told his listeners that so also people think Mushin is a slum area and nothing good could come out from there but his wife, the celebrated Iya Adura, Rev Mother Esther Ajayi was born in Mushin.
Rev Mother Esther Ajayi
Cherubim and Seraphim should resolve conflict
He, however, implored the leaders of C&S churches to resolve their differences and unite as one body in Christ. He added that it is only when they unite other denominations can appreciate God in their lives.
“I observed that other factions of C&S are not here. This is not good enough. We are one in the body of Christ. We must unite in order to fulfill the purpose we are following Christ. Let us unite so that when other denominations see us, they will appreciate God in our life”
Ajayi noticed that some church leaders divert money earmarked for church projects into their purses. He advised them to desist from such demonic acts as these may make them incur the wrath of God.
“I have noticed that some church leaders divert money meant for church building into their purse. Let us change our ways. The money meant for church building should not be embezzled. Any money meant for church projects must not be misappropriated. If you have done that before go and correct it. If you are not ready for God, He will use another person. God has a purpose for everyone. When God gives you work to do, do it accordingly. If there is anyone here who had done that before go and correct it.”
While explaining the theme, “When they asked to preach, the topic sprang up in my mind as directed by the spirit. Many years ago, nobody could think this kind of auditorium would be erected here. But God used us as his instrument. If we have not released ourselves for God to use, He would use someone else. A lot of people could have done what we did but they did not have the grace.
There are lots of billionaires today that could have done the project but because they have not released themselves for God to use they didn’t do it. So, take advantage of this topic “Come and See” to evangelize. Tell people to come and see what God has done for us. A lot of people who have not noticed this place before will come and worship God as this place is now a cynosure of all eyes.”
The venue of the event, which is located at 707, Lagos-Abeokuta Express Way, Ijaiye Bus Stop, Ojokoro, Lagos was the last resting place of the founder of Cherubim and Seraphim, Saint Moses Tunolase Orimolade. Its historical importance has made them name it Holyland. The expansive auditorium that cost millions of naira was built by Reverend Esther Ajayi.
Other attendees at the ceremony which was celebrated in compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols are; Dr. Sam Ogedegbe, former Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Christian matters, Baba Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Special Apostle Akin Owolabi, Snr, Sup. Apst. Adaba, Dr. Wale Odunayo, HRM Oba Saheed A. Elegusi, (Kusenla 111) Elegusi of Ikateland, HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal (Abisogun 11), Oniru of Iruland and host of others
