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

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, the monarch described the church’s 100-year milestone as a testament to its strong spiritual foundation.

“This celebration is a sign of a true foundation. I urge you to commit our leaders to prayers during this centenary, especially President Bola Tinubu. Let us continually remember him in prayers so that he may lead the nation aright,” the Ooni said.

Founded on September 9, 1925, the C&S Church is recognized as Nigeria’s first indigenous church. Over the years, it has expanded into several branches with millions of members across Nigeria, West Africa, Europe, and North America. Renowned for its white garments, prophetic services, and emphasis on prayer and fasting, the church has remained a strong force in African Christianity.

The Supreme Head of the church, Solomon Alao, described the C&S as a model for other denominations, noting that the spiritual impact of the centenary would extend across the country.

“God has blessed Nigeria with this church. The radiance of today’s celebration will spread nationwide, and from this month, positive changes will follow. We have laid a solid foundation for others to build upon, and the future of the church is bright,” Alao stated.

Similarly, the chairperson of the centenary steering committee, Esther Ajayi, encouraged members to uphold love as the central principle of Christianity.

“We should continue to love. Love is the core of Christendom. God loves us deeply, and with love, we cannot miss it. Nigeria, and indeed the world, needs love at this time,” she said.

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

During the event, the Spiritual Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Emmanuel Alogbo, represented by Secretary-General Anthony Samaye, said: “Our fathers walked in the ways of the Lord as directed by the Holy Spirit. They are rejoicing today, just as we celebrate this achievement.”

Also, Jerry Pandonu, who spoke on behalf of the Spiritual Head of the C&S Society, described the awards as “commendable and fulfilling.”

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 in the church, stressed the need for unity among members.

“I have consistently preached love and unity among our members. I travelled to the United Kingdom three times to encourage members there on the importance of working together for the progress of the church,” he said.

The Chairman of the centenary celebration, Dr. Gabriel Awelewa, revealed that plans were underway to transform the founder’s family home and burial site in Ikare-Akoko into a tourist attraction, with facilities for prayer and sightseeing.

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

“What we are doing today will become history tomorrow. Orimolade lived for 54 years and left a remarkable legacy. He fulfilled his destiny as a prince, and we expect the church to contribute to the development of this community,” he said.