The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) has called for dialogue and non-kinetic strategies to be employed in addressing insecurity in the country.
While emphasising that resolving the country’s security challenges required a holistic approach, the church stated that religious extremism has led to the radicalisation of some citizens.
The appeal was made by the secretary of the church, Supt General Apostle (Prof) Iyiomo Oyetakin, during a press conference held at the frontage of the family house of the founder of the church in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State.
Oyetakin, who disclosed that the church remains committed to praying for political leaders and traditional rulers as well as interceding for lasting peace within Nigeria and throughout the world, said, “If some nations have achieved zero crime levels and even closed down their prisons, such transformation is possible in Nigeria as well.
“Religious extremism has led to the radicalisation of some citizens. Both federal and state governments must implement comprehensive de-radicalisation programmes, coordinated by NIREC, the National Orientation Agency, and credible civil society organisations (CSOs).”
Oyetakin called on the government to implement economic reforms to alleviate the country’s socio-economic challenges, adding that advanced technology and transparent governance mechanisms should be employed to combat corruption and ensure that national resources serve the welfare of the people.
On the unwholesome practices against the doctrine of the church, Oyetakin disassociated the church from unbiblical teachings and doctrines, emphasising that the founder was never involved in any fetish act.
While describing the purported attempts by some individuals to rewrite the history of the church as futile, the secretary, who emphasised that the church remains committed to fostering unity within the global C&S community, maintained that “St Moses Orimolade Tunolase is the sole founder of the church.”
“However, despite tremendous growth and expansion, some strange doctrines have crept in, deviating from the foundation laid by Baba Orimolade.
“As true bearers of his mantle, we unequivocally state that the use of red, black, or coloured candles was never practised by Baba Orimolade.
“Likewise, the Ark of the Covenant (Apoti Eri) and other blood-letting practices that are negatively affecting the image of the church are deviations from his teachings. We hereby advise those engaging in such practices to desist immediately.
“On this centenary anniversary, The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim pledges its unwavering support to security agencies in identifying and prosecuting ritualists and fraudsters who exploit religion or the white garment as a facade for their evil deeds.
“We also plead with other C&S churches that have adopted strange doctrines to return to the foundation laid by St Moses Orimolade, as the doctrine he left behind remains the only solution to safeguarding the church from agents of darkness and fraudsters.”
With a series of events lined up for the anniversary, Oyetakin disclosed that revivals and crusades, as well as symposiums, musical concerts, a pilgrimage walk from Ikare to Lagos, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Parade-in-Gala, and special programmes for good women and youths aimed at evangelism and winning souls for Jesus Christ will be held.
“These events will take place at historic locations, including the first-ever Cherubim & Seraphim church at Ebute Meta (East), Orimolade Cathedral, Egbe, Lagos, Orimolade Holyland/International Headquarters of The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, Ojokoro, the birthplace of Baba Orimolade in Okorun quarters, Ikare, Ondo State, Benin Republic, United Kingdom and other designated countries across the world,” he said.
Earlier, the Owa-Ale of Iyo Meta, Ikare-Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin, urged the community’s residents to be law-abiding. At the same time, he also enjoined the C&S to continue praying for the people of Ikare.
“Ikare is the source of C&S. We appreciate you for recognising that here is the source of Orimolade. God never called Moses Orimolade, but he was sent by God to come and do wonders,” he said.
