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Primate Omolaja Olorunwo: Family Announces Death of Eminent Cleric, Sets September 17 for Burial

Published

3 years ago

September 8, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The death has been announced of the Primate and Founder of Olorunwo Cathedral Church of Cherubim and Seraphim (Inc), His Eminence, Archbishop Emmanuel Omolaja Aremu Olorunwo, who divinely slept in the Lord on Thursday, September 2, 2021 in his Lagos residence. He was 85 years old.

Making the death announcement and releasing the burial plans and dates during a world press conference at the headquarter church, Ifako, Gbagada, the children of the deceased, extolled the qualities of their octogenarian patriarch, saying he was a great man, who lived a life worthy of emulation.

Led by one of Baba’s children, who is also the Provost of the church, Venerable Olulayo Olorunwo, the children maintained that in line with his directives, the burial will commence on Wednesday, September 15 and terminate on Friday, September 17, 2021 with the interment.

In their words, the children noted as follows:

“The Board of Trustees, the entire members of Olorunwo Cathedral Church, and the Olorunwo family announces the exit to glory of our Father and spiritual father, His Eminence Primate Emmanuel Omolaja Aremu Olorunwo, who slept in the lord on Thursday, the 2nd day of September 2021.

The celebration of life, legacy and glorious exit service of His Eminence Archbishop Emmanuel Omolaja Aremu Olorunwo – THE GRAND COMMANDER OF CHRISTIAN FAITH OF THE AFRICAN CHURCH OF NIGERIA, will be as follows: 1. Date: WEDNESDAY, 15th September, 2021. Service of Songs/All- Night Praise: Time – 4pm. Candle Light Procession: Time – 6:30pm.

2. Date: THURSDAY, 16th September, 2021. LYING-IN-STATE: Time – 12 noon – 3pm. Christian Wake-Keeping: Time 4pm.

3. Date: FRIDAY, 17th September, 2021. Exit to Glory Service and Interment: Time 10am.

VENUE FOR ALL THE SERVICES: OLORUNWO CATHEDRAL CHURCH: NO.11, BAKARE DAWODU STREET, IFAKO GBAGADA, LAGOS.

In their responses from reactions from members of the press, the family hinted that contrary to speculations as obtainable in most places when the leader passes away, the process of succession will be hitch free as it will technically follow the spiritual process and according to the Will of God.

They noted as well that the appearance of all the children at the conference with the consent of the elders and board of trustees of the church is a clear testimony that all is well with the church, adding that the pervading peace in the church and family is the reason behind the hitch free planning of the burial, happening within a space of two weeks between death and burial.

Primate Olorunwo was an architect by profession before the divine call by God to the Vineyard in full service to work for God. Until his exit to glory, he was the General Head of the Olorunwo Cathedral Church worldwide with several branches in Nigeria.

The Primate, who only last month celebrated his 85th birthday, led the Olorunwo Cathedral Church of Cherubim & Seraphim for over 55 years.

Primate Omolaja Olorunwo was born on Monday August 27, 1936 in Yobo, Ifo District Council, Abeokuta South Local Government Area to Pa Taiwo Atanda Opalola Olorunwo of Fadubi Compund, Owu-Totoro, Abeokuta (Olowu Oduru) and Mrs. A. ldowu Olorunwo (nee Opeagbe) of Igbin Ojo, lgbeyin, Abeokuta (Omosikiti Omo Arogba).

A detailed biography on the deceased disclosed as follows:

“His Eminence, whose divine call into God’s Ministry started as far back as 1946 at the tender age of 10. He had a miraculous encounter with nature in the form of a snake wrapping itself round his right hand while trying to dig for cricket at night near his father’s house, as it was usual for the children of those days. In this scary and frightening circumstance, Prophet Sunday Akintobi, Head of C & S, Agbala Imole, Ifo (Alias Bobanowo Olorun Ha), who was living close to Primate’s compound came out upon being called by the Paternal Grandmother to assist them. The Prophet then prayed for him. After the prayer, the snake disentangled from his wrist and crawled away without inflicting any injury on him.

“The Prophet thereafter saw a vision and told the gathering that the young Omolaja would become a great Prophet of God in the C & S Church and he was beckoned to join the church immediately. The Prophet also gave prophecies that he was going to be his parent’s only male child. The grandmother later corroborated this prediction that she was told something similar by a soothsayer when Primate’s father was a young man that he would have only one male child who should be properly cared for as the child would be a special child of destiny who will do mighty works of healing and through whom God would perform lots of miracles. To confirm this, a particular mark would be on a certain part of his body – However this has been kept secret since then.

“In submission to the prophecy, he joined the C & S Church in the same year 1946 under the renowned Late Prophet Akintobi. He progressed as a very active member of the C & S Church. Eight years later, he was ordained an Aladura and subsequently elevated to the position of a leader. Between 1945 and 1958, he attended African Primary School, Yobo and the Secondary School, Ifo, for his Primary and Secondary Education. He later moved to Lagos to continue his education. He attended Yaba Trade Centre to study Architecture and Yaba College of Technology between 1959 and 1965. He was ordained a Prophet in 1963. He started working with Shell Company, Shell Installation Apapa in 1966. He grew in spiritual power and wisdom and was directed by the Holy Spirit to establish a C & S Church (Aladura) which he did on the 26th November, 1966 at 30, Hughes Avenue, Alagomeji, Yaba in one big sitting room.

“The Church was named Oke-Igbala C & S Church. He was also directed by the Holy Spirit to stop working with Shell Company, Shell Installation Apapa which he did in 1968.

“Thereafter, he became a Full Time Prophet of God. Though, he had lots of tribulations as the first Church he erected was pulled down after two years of existence. He was later to find the church on ground after he returned from a seven day prayer from Olorunkole Mountain in Ibadan. He was undaunted and later moved to another site at 146, Clifford Street, Alagomeji, Yaba in 1968. After this feat, he was ordained in Apostle in 1970, he became a Senior Apostle in 1975, a Most Senior Apostle in 1976 and untimately a Special Apostle in 1979. The church eventually had to vacate the new site at Clifford Street for a swampy area at Abule-Ijesha, Basua Estate, off Fola – Agoro Road. During this time, the Church lost many members due to the incessant relocation of the church from one location to another. However, there are a few steadfast and loyal members who remained with the Church through thick and thin till date.

“The name of the church was later changed to Olorunwo Cathedral Church of C & S (lnc) in 1970 after a Church General Meeting with Late Gen. Kehinde Sho-Silver. Eventually, the present abode was developed while church activities were held at Fola Agoro, Abule Ijesha, throughout the period of construction. Since then, the church has witnessed an era of stability and progress till it came to the “Promised Land”. T

“The present church was completed through the Grace of God and was dedicated to the Glory of God on the 26th November, 1983. The occasion was chaired by late Bashorun M.K.O Abiola with Late Dele Giwa. The church has grown with branches. On the same day, the founder was enthroned and ordained as Archbishop, Primate, Spiritual Father and Head of the Church by the C & S Council at a most solemn ceremony which was presided over by Most Gen. Superintendent C.O.S Benson on behalf of the United C & S Council.

“The Primate lived a happily married life with Rev. Mother K. B. Olorunwo and blessed with children and grand children.”

Among the deceased children who were present at the briefing were Venerable Olulayo Olorunwo, Pastor Ilemobayo Olorunwo, Prof (Mrs) Yewande Otusanya, Pastor Oketola Olorunwo Obaleye, Prophetess Omotinuoluwa Olorunwo, Barrister Matemilola Adesina Salawu and Chief Christian Ipoola Olaniyan.

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Court Sends Woman to Prison for Abusing Tinubu’s Son, IGP on Social Media

Published

11 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Eric

Olamide Thomas, who reportedly threatened Seyi Tinubu on social media, was on Friday, arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Olamide was arraigned by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, before Justice Emeka Nwite on a three-count charge.

Olamide was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording through a computer system or network on her social media platforms wherein she made remarks in Yoruba language.

In the video, she was alleged to have stated: “Mr. Seyi Tinubu would die this year, and misfortune and calamity had befallen the Tinubu family, with intent to bully, threaten, harass the person of Mr Seyi Tinubu.”

The communication was said to have placed Seyi in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, the defendant was alleged to have intentionally transmitted communication in the form of video recording wherein she made remarks in Yoruba Language to bully, threaten, and harass the person of Egbetokun.

The communication was said to have placed Egbetokun in fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2) (a) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Olamide was arrested on allegations bordering on harassing and threatening Seyi Tinubu, Egbetokun, and the Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a viral social media post.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/636/2024 dated and filed on December 18 by the police team of lawyers led by A.A. Egwu, Olamide was sued as sole defendant.

Upon resumed hearing, Victor Okoye, who appeared for the police, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and that he was ready to proceed.

After the counts were read to the defendant, she pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence lawyer, T J. Aondo (SAN), sought to move an oral application on his client’s behalf but the request was turned down.

Justice Nwite directed Aondo to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter until December 30 for the commencement of trial.

The judge, however, assured the defence counsel that as soon as a bail application is filed in form of a motion on notice, the court would not hesitate to hear it.

Justice Nwite, thereafter, ordered Olamide to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing of her bail application.

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Buhari Denies Ownership of Abuja Land Revoked by Wike

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Eric

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, denied ownership of a piece of land purportedly allocated to him by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) in Abuja.

Media reports indicate that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the ownership of 762 plots of land in the Maitama 1 District of Abuja, citing non-payment of statutory fees.

According to the trending reports, high-profile figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, are among those affected.

The FCTA had also issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 other individuals and organisations, demanding they settle outstanding Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) fees or risk losing their plots.
However, debunking the reports, the former President stated he is “not the owner of the said plot of land which is allocated in the name of a ‘Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.’”

In a statement issued by his media aide, Garba Shehu, in Abuja, the former President explained that he turned down the offer by the administration when it was presented to him.

The media aide further clarified: “When he and his cabinet members were invited to fill the forms and obtain land during his tenure in office, he returned the form without filling it, saying that he already had a plot of land in the FCT and that those who did not have should be given. He, therefore, turned down the offer.

“All those jumping up and down in the digital space talking about the rightfulness or the lack of it on the reported seizure of Buhari’s land in Abuja to get their facts right and stop dragging down the name of the former president.

“As with anything Buhari—and there is no surprise in this at all—there is a lot of buzz in the media on the reported seizure of a piece of land by the authorities of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, FCTA, allegedly belonging to the former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Former President Buhari is personally not the owner of the said plot of land, which is allocated in the name of a ‘Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.

“The Foundation was itself floated by some utilitarian individuals around him who, it must be said, went about it in a lawful manner with the support of a number of well-meaning persons.

“But they ran into a roadblock in the land department of the FCDA, which handed them an outrageous bill for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, very high in cost that did not at all compare with the bills given to similar organisations.

“It may have been that this was not erroneous, but a deliberate mistake, making the revocation of the land no surprise to anyone.

“As a person, the former President has a plot of land to his name in Abuja,” he added

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Dangote Refinery, a Wonder of Modern Technology – Japan Ambassador, Business Community

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

Eric

The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex has been hailed as an astonishing masterpiece, showcasing Nigeria’s technological advancements on the global stage.

This accolade was shared by a delegation from the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo. The Dangote Group also reiterated that its petroleum products are in demand worldwide, as it expands its polypropylene section to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported polypropylene, a crucial material used in packaging, textiles, and the automotive manufacturing industries.

The Japanese delegation, which toured the impressive facilities housing both the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals as well as Dangote Fertilisers, commended the state-of-the-art technology on display, noting that it reinforces Nigeria’s role as the gateway to Africa.

Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Takashi Oku, remarked that while Nigeria remains the gateway to Africa, the Dangote Refinery stands as a remarkable project that showcases the country’s technological progress. He added that the facility, as the world’s largest single-train refinery, is a point of immense pride for Nigeria. JETRO is Japan’s governmental organisation for trade and investment.

“We had heard about the excellence of the Dangote Refinery through the media but seeing it in person has left us truly amazed by its vastness and grandeur. It demonstrates that Nigeria’s population is not only growing but also advancing in technology. We are keen to collaborate with Nigerian companies, especially Dangote Refinery,” he said.

Emphasising that the refinery has bolstered Nigeria’s leading position in Africa, he further noted that the facility serves as an ideal introduction to the country for the global community.

Managing Director of Itochu Nigeria Limited, Masahiro Tsuno, also praised the sheer size and automation of the Dangote Refinery, calling it a miracle and one of the wonders of the world.

“I’ve seen many standalone refineries across the globe, including in Vietnam and the Middle East. However, this size of a refinery built by one single investor is probably a miracle in the world. And I’m just actually witnessing a miracle, to be honest, today,” he said. Tsuno indicated that his company would seek collaboration with the refinery across various sectors, including polypropylene and other petroleum products.

Commending the ambassador-designate and his team, which described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a wonder of modern technology, Vice President of Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the facility is the vision of a Nigerian investor- Aliko Dangote, designed and built by Nigerians, and intended to serve the global market.

He said that it is a point of pride that a Nigerian company not only designed but also built the world’s largest single-train refinery complex. Dangote Industries Limited, a Nigerian company, acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the refinery. In the process, cutting-edge technologies from around the world were incorporated to ensure that the facility meets the highest standards. Edwin assured the ambassador-designate and the delegation that the company is open to collaboration, always striving to maintain the best possible standards.

“Even now, we have a lot of Japanese equipment inside both the refinery and the fertiliser plant. There are significant opportunities for collaboration, as we always seek the latest technology in any business we engage in. For instance, our cement plant laboratory is managed by robots, and we always embrace advanced technology. With Japan’s focus on technological innovation, there is ample scope for cooperation and for supplying various types of technology,” he said.

Edwin also stated that the Dangote Petrochemical project will significantly boost investment in downstream industries, creating substantial value, generating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflows, and contributing to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He confirmed that products from the refinery meet international standards and are already being exported globally.

“In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol to Cameroon, Ghana, Angola, and South Africa among others. Diesel has gone all over the world, and jet fuel is being heavily exported to European markets. Our products are already making their mark internationally,” he said.

He further added that by leveraging Africa’s vast crude oil resources to produce refined products locally, the Dangote Group aims to create a virtuous cycle of industrial development, job creation, and economic prosperity.