By ENDURANCE IKANONE

The Holy Messiah Church of Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S), Nigeria and Overseas, Arun-Owun Ilu Alabo Headquarters, in Sapele LGA Delta State has formally condemned the ?illegal? installation of a 14-year-old child as the spiritual leader of the Church.

In an official statement delivered by Henry Adeyemi, and signed by Silas Ukawa, the Church expressed its strong disapproval of the act, clarifying that the succession process had been improperly taken over by unauthorized parties. The statement further reaffirmed that Prince Engineer Silas Oluwadaisi Ukawa is the rightful successor to the leadership of the Church.

The statement reveals that on September 11, 2024, a group consisting of Austin Utieyin, Godwin Aribo, Roland Meyibo, John Wooden, and Timi Meneporo clandestinely installed the minor as leader during a covert operation at the Arun-Owun Headquarters. This action was conducted in the dead of night without the knowledge of the Ukawa Ruling House, the Church Council, or the Obinehin Kingdom, the traditional body responsible for overseeing succession matters.

The Church emphasized that this unauthorized installation directly contravened a formal directive issued by His Royal Majesty, Oba Kalejaiye Rotimi Williams, the Monarch of Obinehin Kingdom, on September 16, 2024. The directive had mandated the suspension of all succession activities until reconciliation processes had been completed. Nevertheless, despite this order, the illegal installation continued, prompting strong condemnation from church elders and local community leaders alike.

Further elaborating on the matter, the Church leadership clarified that the appointment of Prince Engineer Silas Ukawa followed all prescribed traditional and Church protocols. Ukawa, a direct descendant of the Church?s founder, Saint Reuben Mewayeone Ukawa, was unanimously chosen after thorough consultations with the Ukawa Ruling House, the Church Council, and the chiefs of Obinehin Kingdom in Ondo State.

The Church urged its members and the general public to dismiss the unlawful installation of the young boy, stressing that the official coronation of Prince Silas Ukawa would soon take place. Additionally, the Church reaffirmed its legal legitimacy, citing its re-registered trusteeship under Certificate No. 8280085, which governs both its national and international branches.

The statement further relayed that His Royal Majesty, Oba Kalejaiye Rotimi Williams, had publicly denounced the clandestine installation, reiterating the sacred responsibility of the Ukawa lineage in leading the Church. The Oba emphasized that any departure from established traditions, particularly through such deceptive means, was unacceptable, and he once again expressed his full support for Prince Silas Ukawa. Both the Church and the Oba have called for reconciliation and adherence to legal and traditional processes.

In addition, formal notifications have been sent to the Okpe Community in Sapele, the Fregene family, and the Sapele Local Government Chairman, affirming that Prince Engineer Silas Ukawa remains the legitimate King of Zion (Kabiyesi) and Primate of the Holy Messiah Church of C&S Nigeria and Overseas. Plans for his official installation are underway, with invitations to government officials, media houses, and the public to be issued in due course.

Church leaders reassured congregants that the leadership transition will be executed peacefully and in alignment with divine principles. They encouraged the faithful to remain committed to their beliefs and support the rightful leadership as the Church works toward a smooth transition.

The statement concluded with a call for unity, referencing Isaiah 33:22: ?For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; He will save us.? The Church once again emphasized its dedication to maintaining peace and order within the Arun-Owun Zion Community and beyond. (Delta State News Bulletin)

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