CDCC’s Acts of Apostle Parish in Ketu, Lagos, Embroiled in Crisis Following Controversial N5 Million Donation
A rift has emerged within The Celestial Church of Christ, Acts of Apostle Parish in Ketu, Alapere, Lagos, following a N5 million donation by the church authorities. The situation escalated into chaos during a Sunday service when Muyiwa Oluponna, who claims to be the son of the church’s founder, interrupted the service to assert his claim as the rightful leader of the church.
Worshipers witnessed Oluponna seize the microphone from Acting Shepherd Adetola and declare that he had the right to deliver sermons every second Sunday of the month. The conflict led to intense arguments between Oluponna and church members, captured on a viral video.
According to Adetola, Oluponna utilised the disruption to demand the N5 million earmarked for church renovations and clergy housing be handed over to his family. He also claimed that the church belongs to his family, not to the community or the CCC authorities.
“When I was put in charge of the church, I started the service, but Oluponna snatched the microphone, claiming he was entitled to deliver sermons every second Sunday of the month. He also demanded the N5 million donated by the church authorities for renovation and housing be given to his family. He stated that the church belonged to his family, not the community or the CCC authorities. He even threatened me, saying he would take over if I resisted.
Oluponna’s actions further escalated when he snatched a second microphone from a chorister, attempting to deliver a sermon. This led to a confrontation with church members, who eventually resisted him.
Shepherd Emmanuel Iperepolu corroborated these claims, adding that Oluponna had repeatedly made threats and demands since the N5 million donation was announced.
According to Iperepolu, “He has been causing trouble, claiming the church belongs to his family. He’s been demanding the money, and we’re working with the authorities to resolve the issue.”
Kayode Ajala, the Head of Media and Publicity for the CCC, confirmed the temporary closure of the church to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful resolution.
“The church is a house of God, but when there are conflicts and threats to people’s lives, we have to intervene. We cannot just stand idly by and allow harm to be done. We shut down the church temporarily to ensure a peaceful resolution, and once that’s achieved, it will be reopened,” Ajala said.
Oluponna declined to comment on the allegations, stating that the matter is between his family and the church.
