By Ayomide Otitoju
As the Celestial Church of Christ, Archdiocese, National Headquarters, Makoko, Lagos, prepares for the 40th Year Transition, Anniversary, Amissal, Remembrance Service in the Year 2025, the church is revisiting the remarkable spiritual journey of her founder, Reverend Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa.
Born in 1909, Oshoffa was named “Samuel” in fulfillment of a covenant his father made with God, reminiscent of the biblical Hannah’s promise. Though the vow faded from memory, it is believed divine purpose eventually manifested through his life.
Initially trained as a carpenter by his father, Oshoffa later ventured into the ebony wood trade. During a business trip, he was abandoned in a forest by his canoe paddler and survived alone for three month surviving on fruits and honey. It was during this period of isolation that Oshoffa reported experiencing a profound spiritual awakening, including visions and a divine message—“Luli,”with was interpreted to him as “The Grace of Jesus Christ.”
In a public testimony delivered in 1947, Oshoffa described surreal visions of a winged monkey, a multicoloured bird, and a coiled snake—symbols that he believed marked the beginning of his divine assignment
Even before this transformative event, Oshoffa had shown deep devotion to prayer and scripture. These disciplines, he believed, prepared him for his divine calling. He emphasized that “Luli” was a personal spiritual message, cautioning that its misinterpretation as church doctrine had led to confusion among some members.
With no formal theological training, Oshoffa viewed his selection as a spiritual leader as a demonstration of divine grace rather than personal merit—echoing a core Christian principle.
Founded in September 1947, the Celestial Church of Christ has since expanded into a global denomination. The 2025 remembrance service will not only celebrate Oshoffa’s legacy but also reaffirm the church’s commitment to its spiritual roots and divine foundation.
