3 Celestial Church Pastors Die on New Year Day

Lagos, Nigeria – The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) is in mourning following the sudden deaths of three of its pastors on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025.

The deceased pastors have been identified as Evangelist Oladotun Elusanmi, Shepherd Olumuyiwa Michael, and Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist (Prophet) Johnson Olajuwon.

Evangelist Elusanmi served as the Shepherd at Orisun Ayo Parish, Ilupeju, while Shepherd Michael was in charge of Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu. Prophet Olajuwon, until his demise, was the prophet at the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu.

The death of Prophet Olajuwon was officially announced by Superior Evangelist Kayode Ajala, Secretary of the Pastor in Council and Head of Media and Publicity for CCC worldwide, on the church’s website.

“The death has been announced of Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist (Prophet) Johnson Olajuwon (JJ). He was, until his death, the prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ, Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral, International Headquarters, Ketu,” Ajala wrote.

Ajala noted that Olajuwon’s passing has left many in shock, as the cleric had read the second lesson during the cross-over service and appeared full of life before his sudden death.

The Shepherd of CCC International Headquarters, Ketu, Olatosho Oshoffa, described Olajuwon as a dedicated, loyal, and truthful servant of God in a heartfelt tribute shared on his Facebook account.

Meanwhile, the CCC Christ Testimony Parish, Ikorodu, confirmed the passing of Shepherd Michael in a Facebook post, while Elusanmi’s death was announced on the Instagram account ‘Celestialgeneration’ the same day.

The unexpected losses have plunged the CCC community into deep sorrow as members pay tribute to the departed pastors and pray for strength during this difficult time.