As part of the efforts for Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to have a smooth sail in the June 20 governorship poll, members of the Celestial Church of Christ, on Friday, held a solidarity crusade to intercede and craved for spiritual backing that will guarantee resounding victory for him and his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye.
The Church posited that the spiritual programme was specifically conceived to seek God’s face for the Governor and his Deputy to be able to triumph in the election and to imbue them with good health and sound mental state to accelerate good governance across board in their second term.
The religious body used the opportunity to pray for speedy deliverance of the Nigerian nation from the hands of kidnappers, bandits, insurgents and those stoking the fire of carnages across the geopolitical zones, expressing confidence that God will set the country free and redirect it to the path of greatness.
The crusade that attracted large number of Celestial Church’s adherents across the state, was held at the Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital, to galvanise support for Governor Oyebanji and his Deputy, Mrs Afuye, who is a prominent member of the Church.
The spiritual procession witnessed songs and praises, sermon, prayer session for peace, security, development and total freedom for those who were kidnapped at Eda Oniyo in Ilejemeje Local Government Area of the state over a month ago.
In the message of the spiritual leader of the Church Worldwide, Most Superior Evangelist Samuel Oshoffa, he commended Governor Oyebanji for promoting religious harmony in Ekiti State and ensured that all religious inclinations are given the leverage to operate without trepidation and intimidation.
Oshoffa, whose message was delivered by a top member of Celestial Church and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Barr. Obafemi Adewale, said Governor Oyebanji merits the support being exhibited by all the strata of Ekiti society for his government, having governed the populace with the spirit of inclusivity and excellent peaceful disposition.
Adewale, who is a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, stated that Governor Oyebanji has proved to be a leader who can be trusted with power and who deserves being supported by all and sundry.
“Celestial church of God is happy that Governor Oyebanji has proven to be a peace maker and development driven leader. In the last three years, Ekiti State has moved from high to a higher position. There was never a time we heard of any fight between him and his Deputy. They have worked together harmoniously and we appreciate this kind of leadership. I pray for your success in this coming election”.
Speaking at the event, the church’s leader in Ekiti State and an Assistant Most Superior Evangelist, Abraham Aladeseye, commended Governor Oyebanji for being a champion of peace and development, saying making Mrs Afuye, a member of Celestial Church his Deputy, has endeared him to members.
Pastor Aladeseye, who relished the smooth working relationship between the governor and his deputy, said the church was not being bankrolled to rally support for the governor, describing the gesture as a way of showing solidarity with Mrs Afuye, who is a respected member of the church.
“In the whole of Nigeria, it is only in Ekiti State that we have someone who is member of Celestial Church of Christ as the Deputy Governor, so we are not taking this for granted. We will continue to pray for the success of this government. We have stood by them in the first term, so shall it be in the second term”.
Appreciating the Church for the rare show of solidarity, Governor Oyebanji, said he has superintended over the state with the fear of God, promising not to derail from his firm believe in the supreme power of God to attract more development to the state.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Afuye, said the church rising at this auspicious time when Ekiti is approaching a major election that will shape its current and political future, indicated that all the strata of the state have taken interest in governance and no longer ready to sit on the fence.
The governor appealed to church leaders not to be weary in their support for leadership on the issue of insecurity across the country, saying the crisis can be tamed if all stakeholders play their roles effectively as patriots and good citizens of the country.
He assured that his government would continue to work more assiduously to bring more developments to the people in his second term and as well take proactive actions to smash the criminal syndicates terrorising the state.
“I am indeed elated by this solidarity crusade meant to seek the face of God for our governor to be able to win the June 20 governorship election. The governor is indeed happy that the church as the conscience of the nation rose to be part of the good governance we have entrenched in our body polity in the last three years.
“The governor has always been appreciating the religious leaders for their prayers and solidarity that have kept this state together under his leadership. We really appreciate you. We promise that we will never relent in our efforts to bring more developments and security to our land.
“Again, as we approach this election, we seek for more prayers for the peaceful conduct of the poll and also for our resounding victory. We want to assure you that we won’t let you down. I want to pledge on behalf of the governor that we will raise the pedal of development and perform better in the second term to the admiration of celestial members and all Ekiti citizens”.
In his exhortation, Evangelist Emmanuel Adewale, who quoted copiously from the Holy Book of Joshua chapter 5 Verse 9, said though the country is tensed at this moment, but expressed confidence that God shall deliver the nation and punish those who were causing insurrection and bloodshed in the society.
High profile celestial figures and prominent statesmen at the spiritual procession were: Director General, Bureau of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso Omotoso, Special Assistant on Christian Religion to the Governor, Pastor Kunle Kolade, former Acting Governor Tope Ademiluyi, politicians, religious leaders, among others.