…vows to ensure prosecution of prophet involved, if indicted
Celestial Church of Christ says it has begun a discreet investigation of the circumstances that resulted in the death of Nollywood actress, Temitope Osoba, calling on the police to also conduct a thorough probe of the matter.
The CCC launched the probe into the 40-year-old actress’ demise following allegations linking her fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, to her controversial death.
The church, in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity Worldwide, AVSE Kayode Ajala, said it was disturbed that one of its shepherds had been linked to the controversy surrounding the actress’ death.
It expressed regret that the allegations had also dragged the church’s name into what it described as an “extremely disgusting mess.”
The statement read, “For us in the Celestial Church of Christ, we are quite sad that a promising life has been cut short in its prime, and we not only share in the palpable grief of her immediate family, relations and the loved ones she left behind, we are also particularly disturbed and concerned that a Shepherd of our church, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, is not only involved in this controversy, but has also dragged the name of the Celestial Church of Christ into an extremely disgusting mess.
“As a church, we are already discreetly investigating the circumstances that led to the death of Temi.”
The CCC also clarified that idolatry, black magic, cultism and the use of charms are at variance with and not permitted under its doctrine.
“At this point, we wish to make it clear that the Celestial Church of Christ is a Christian Bible-believing religious church. Our worship is divinely inspired. There is absolutely no room for idolatry, black magic, cultism, and the use of charms in our church,” it said.
The statement stressed that the church operates under strict spiritual tenets and a code of conduct outlined in its constitution.
The statement added, “The murky allegations surrounding the involvement of Prophet Itunu Onadeko are, to say the least, quite embarrassing to the Celestial Church of Christ. And we are not folding our arms and watching from the kerb, as the name and image of our church is dragged and battered by the alleged involvement of Prophet Itunu Onadeko in the untimely death of Temitope Osoba.
“As a church, we are already discreetly investigating the circumstances that led to the death of Temitope Osoba, and we wish to assure the general public that the Celestial Church of Christ would leave no stone unturned to unearth the truth, and to ensure that anyone found culpable in the death of Temitope Osoba is brought to justice.
“We are also calling on the Police and all relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that the death of Temitope Osoba is properly and thoroughly investigated with a view to ensuring that justice is served. The Celestial Church of Christ is ready to work hand-in-hand with the relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all culprits are brought to book.”
It also noted that the Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, His Eminence, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, assured the family of the deceased, and the general public “that the internal machinery of the church is working round the clock to ensure that the truth prevails and justice is served in this matter.
“If the allegations against Prophet Itunu Onadeko of the Celestial Church of Christ are found to be true at the end of ongoing investigations, he would not only be made to face the internal sanctions of the church, but he would also be made to face the full length of the law.”
The death of the actress on August 5 has continued to generate conflicting accounts about her final moments. No official confirmation has been issued about the exact circumstances and cause of her death.
Her burial was scheduled for Iperu Remo, Ogun State, on Thursday, but on Wednesday, her family announced that the ceremony had been postponed indefinitely.
The family added that a new date and venue for her burial would be communicated later.
