The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the nation and its leaders, particularly President Bola Tinubu, as the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church celebrated its centenary thanksgiving at Seraphim Land, Maba, Ogun State.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, the monarch described the 100-year milestone as evidence of a strong spiritual foundation.

He said, “This celebration is an indication of a true foundation. I want you to put all our leaders into prayers with this centenary celebration, particularly President Bola Tinubu. Let us remember him in our prayers so that he can lead us right.”

Founded on September 9, 1925, the C&S Church is regarded as Nigeria’s first indigenous church. It has since grown into multiple branches with millions of adherents across Nigeria, West Africa, Europe, and North America. Known for its distinctive white garments, prophetic services, and emphasis on prayer and fasting, the church has remained a major force in African Christianity.

The Supreme Head of the church, Solomon Alao, described the C&S as a role model for other denominations. He added that the spiritual impact of the centenary would radiate across Nigeria.

He said, “God has blessed Nigeria with this sect. The radiance of today’s celebration will be seen across the country, and you will begin to see changes from this month. We have laid a foundation for others to build on. The future of the church is very bright.”

Also speaking, the chairperson of the centenary steering committee, Esther Ajayi, urged members to embrace love as the central value of Christianity.

She said, “We should keep loving. The central habit of Christendom is love. God loves us so much, and with love, we can’t miss it. Nigeria needs your love at this time, as does the world in general.”

The celebration, which began with a series of activities, featured a centenary awards dinner on Sunday in Lagos, where 100 members were honoured across various categories.

At the dinner, the Spiritual Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Emmanuel Alogbo, represented by Secretary-General Anthony Samaye, said, “Our fathers worked in the way of the Lord as the Holy Spirit directed them. They are rejoicing today, just as we are happy about this development.”

Similarly, Jerry Pandonu, who spoke on behalf of the spiritual head of the C&S Society, described the awards as “good and satisfactory.”

On Tuesday, at the family house of the founder, St. Moses Orimolade, in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Elder George Tunolase, regarded as a spiritual leader of the church, called for greater unity among members.

He said, “I have been preaching love and unity among our members. I travelled to the United Kingdom thrice to speak with members there on the need for us to come together and move the church forward in unity.”

The Chairman of the centenary celebration, Dr. Gabriel Awelewa, disclosed that efforts were ongoing to transform the founder’s family house and burial site in Ikare-Akoko into a tourist attraction.

He assured that facilities would be provided at the site for prayer and sightseeing.

The Owa Ale of Ikare-Akoko, Oba Adefemi Adedoyin, represented by High Chief Adebisi Olanrewaju, urged the church to make an impact in the founder’s hometown.

He said, “What we are doing today is history tomorrow. Orimolade spent 54 years and made a landmark. He fulfilled his destiny. He was a prince, and we want the church to make an impact in this community in terms of development.”