By Segun Olatunji
Most Senior Special Apostle Pastor (Dr.) Gabriel Olayinka Kassim has stepped into the global spotlight as the acting Baba Aladura (Spiritual Father) of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide (Ayo Ni O). His historic appointment by the church’s Board of Trustees on August 20, 2026, marks a momentous transitional chapter. The decision, made during an extraordinary meeting at His Grace Vicarage, Galileeland, Orile-Igbon in Oyo State, positions him to steer the global white garment movement following the recent transition of the late Baba Aladura, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, who joined the Saints Triumphant on July 30, 2026, at the age of 93.
Transitioning from leading the New York District to sitting on the revered spiritual throne at the Galilee International Headquarters, Baba Aladura Kassim brings a unique blend of corporate administrative grit and deep prophetic heritage.
From Zaria to New York: The Making of a Spiritual Father
Acting Baba Aladura Kassim’s life’s journey reflects a path carefully orchestrated by divine timing. He grew up in an era that demanded hard work and absolute devotion. He was born on Friday, July 17, 1936 to the family of the late Pa Samuel Pelemoh Kassim and late Madam Janet Iyaniwura Aminatu Kassim in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State. His late mother hailed from Okorun, same locality as the Founder and first Baba Aladura of the Cherubim and Seraphim Churches, Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase.
Kassim had his early education in Ikare between 1947 and 1961 under the Christian Missionary Society (CMS) and Victory College, Ikare. These early academic years built his sharp discipline and intellectual approach to leadership. He joined the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) in 1956. He was a school teacher at The Apostolic Secondary Modern School, Ikoro-Ekiti from 1963 to 1967. He later trained and qualified as a professional Registered Nurse under the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife, between 1967 and 1971. In 1975 and 1978, he obtained his Bachelor of Science (Bsc) and Master of Science (Msc) degrees, respectively. In 2010, he was awarded Doctor of Philosophy (Phil. D) from the Bible College and Theological Seminary.
Pastor Kassim migrated to the United States of America in 1972, where he worked and retired as Associate Director of Nursing in 2010 from the Brookdale University and Medical Hospital Centre.
However, before committing fully to the altar, Pastor Kassim proved his mettle in the secular world. In 1950, he joined the Nigerian Railways Corporation, where he picked up vital organisational skills and management strategies. This public service background gave him a unique perspective on managing large, complex structures—a skill that is highly useful when leading a worldwide religious organisation.
As the Chairman of the New York District, he successfully modernised the Diaspora church while preserving its core indigenous spiritual values. This international experience earned him deep respect across the global denomination. He proved that the vibrant spiritual practices of Ayo Ni O could thrive just as powerfully on the streets of New York as they do in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. He also successfully bridged the gap by keeping young, first generation Nigerian-Americans connected to the church’s indigenous African roots. Kassim built a strong legacy as the long-serving leader of the New York District. His time leading the Diaspora church gave him a global reputation and prepared him to become the acting Baba Aladura of the CSMC Worldwide
His ecumenical worldview expanded through interactions with other folds, including the United Methodist African Church in 1959, before his destiny became permanently woven into the tapestry of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church.
Acting Baba Aladura Kassim’s rise within the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide is a classic story of loyalty and steady advancement.
His active ministerial journey gained momentum in the Zaria Branch of the church’s Northern Conference. Working in the North during the mid-20th century required great courage and deep faith. His outstanding service did not go unnoticed; he was ordained as a Special Apostle in the early 1960s.
The Diaspora Expansion
Decades later, Kassim was tasked with a major assignment: leading the church’s expansion in the United States. As the Chairman of the New York District, he successfully modernised the Diaspora church while preserving its core indigenous spiritual values. This international experience earned him deep respect across the global denomination. He proved that the vibrant spiritual practices of Ayo Ni O could thrive just as powerfully on the streets of New York as they do in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. He also successfully bridged the gap by keeping young, first generation Nigerian-Americans connected to the church’s indigenous African roots. Kassim built a strong legacy as the long-serving leader of the New York District. His time leading the Diaspora church gave him a global reputation and prepared him to become the acting Baba Aladura of the CSMC Worldwide. His work in the United States served as a test for his management skills. He proved that traditional white garment practices could thrive in a modern, Western world.
Global Expectations
Stepping into the shoes of the late Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo is a massive responsibility. The global congregation expects their new acting Baba Aladura to address several key priorities, including guarding and unifying the Church. The immediate task before him is maintaining absolute internal harmony. Following his appointment, some internal factions expressed preferences for hierarchical succession based strictly on alternative seniority lines. But prominent church leaders, such as the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, have praised the maturity of the Board of Trustees. They expressed great confidence that Kassim’s vast experience will unite the church. The congregation relies on his fatherly wisdom to bring all groups together under one roof.
Acting Baba Aladura Kassim will also have to balance modern needs with the sacred tradition of a church that is rapidly expanding, with an influx of tech-savvy, youth-led model parishes worldwide. As a leader who has managed both traditional Nigerian branches and modern Diaspora churches, Kassim is uniquely positioned to handle this shift. The church looks up to him to upgrade administrative systems without diluting the core doctrines of prayer, fasting and white garment worship.
Members are also eager to see the church expand its global presence. The congregation expects the acting Baba Aladura to use his international background to create stronger connections between the international districts and the Galilee headquarters.
This is a new dawn for the CSMC Worldwide Ayo Ni O. The official announcement by the Conference Secretary-General, Anthony Olusesan Samaye, urged all members worldwide to offer their full support, cooperation and prayers during this crucial transition.
There’s no doubting the fact that the CSMC Board of Trustees chose to elect Kassim because of his unique international background. His work in New York proves that he knows how to lead a diverse, modern organisation. As acting Baba Aladura, he surely plans to use these same skills to manage the church’s global network.
Acting Baba Aladura Gabriel Olayinka Kassim’s journey—from the railway tracks of colonial Nigeria to the busy avenues of New York, and finally to the sacred grounds of Galileeland, Orile-Igbon, Oyo State, Nigeria —has prepared him well for this moment. As he assumes the exalted leadership of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, the faithful are united in their prayers: Ayo Ni O!
. Olatunji, a Journalist, Political/Crisis Communication Strategist, writes from Akure, Ondo State
