The Eternal Sacred Order Kicks Off Centenary in Ikare, Calls for Doctrinal Purity.

The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church has officially commenced its centenary celebrations with a historic world press conference held at Okorun Quarters, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, the birthplace of its founder, Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase Ajagunmokadi.

The event, which took place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in collaboration with The New Seraph Evangelical Ministries, marked the beginning of a year-long series of activities commemorating the centenary of Nigeria’s first indigenous Pentecostal church. The press conference drew religious leaders, traditional rulers, and media professionals.
Addressing the pressmen, The Supreme head of the church, His Eminence Baba Aladura Pro. Dr. M.I.O Ebahor, ably represented by Supt. Gen. Apostle Prof. Iyiomo Oyetakin, Secretary-General of The Eternal, reflected on the profound spiritual and historical significance of Ikare-Akoko. He recounted the divine circumstances surrounding the birth of Saint Moses Orimolade in 1879 and the miraculous angelic visitation he experienced at age six at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Ikare.

“This centenary is more than a celebration of time, it is a celebration of divine purpose fulfilled. For the 100 years, the Eternal Sacred Order has remained a beacon of spiritual growth, evangelism, and godly transformation,” Oyetakin said.

He reiterated that the Cherubim and Seraphim Order, formally established in 1925, is recognized as Nigeria’s first indigenous Pentecostal movement, pioneering Spirit-led worship practices such as singing, clapping, revival services, and healing. He added that the Order’s spiritual foundation can be traced back to 1885, when it is believed that Jesus Christ began interceding with God to permit the establishment of the Holy Order on Earth.

As centenary activities unfold, Elder Oyetakin addressed the growing concern over doctrinal deviations within some C&S churches. He firmly disapproved of practices such as the use of red or black candles and the Ark of the Covenant (Apoti Eri), which, he said, were never endorsed by the founder.

“Let it be known that Saint Moses Orimolade never practiced blood letting rituals or used red and black candles. Such practices are alien to the true teachings of this Holy Order,” he stated, calling for a return to the purity and authenticity of the church’s original doctrine.
He also highlighted the church’s global expansion and its foundational role in Nigerian Christianity, noting that several prominent ministries trace their origins to the C&S fold. He reaffirmed the church’s commitment to national development, urging government leaders to adopt transparent and compassionate policies, especially in addressing poverty and insecurity. Though apolitical in nature, the church reiterated its historical role in national healing, citing how Saint Moses Orimolade once interceded for King George V of England in the 1930s, a gesture that earned the admiration of the British monarchy.

The centenary celebration will be marked by a variety of events, including: A symbolic pilgrimage walk from Ikare to Lagos, World congress, Revival crusades, Musical concerts, Symposiums, Community outreach (CSR) initiatives, and special evangelistic programmes for youth and women

These activities will span locations of historical importance, including Ebute Meta, Ago-Ishofin, Egbe, and Ojokoro in Lagos, as well as international cities in the United Kingdom and Benin Republic.
Elder Oyetakin emphasized that the church’s legitimacy is not anchored in buildings or titles but in obedience to the Spirit of God and unwavering commitment to the divine calling.

In a welcome address, His Eminence Vice Baba Aladura J.O.A. Oladapo JP congratulated the church on its centenary milestone, describing it as “proof of God’s unwavering grace and the strength of the church’s spiritual foundation.”

The Owa Ale of Ikare, Oba Kolapo Adegbite Adedoyin, also spoke at the event, emphasizing that while many were “called,” Saint Orimolade was divinely sent. He called for unity among the various C&S factions and urged the church to renovate Orimolade’s family home as a fitting tribute to his legacy.

Representing The New Seraph, Deputy Baba Aladura Friday Ngbodi stressed that the centenary should not only mark longevity but also serve as a divine recommitment to holiness, reconciliation, and evangelism.

In his closing remarks, Snr Supt Apostle Engr. Niyi Afolabi, Chairman of the Centenary Anniversary Central Planning Committee, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their dedication to the preservation of the church’s divine mission.

As The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim church embarks on its second century, church leaders emphasized that this celebration is not just a commemoration, it is a prophetic call to rediscover the Spirit, return to the original doctrine, and walk faithfully in the path laid by Saint Moses Orimolade.