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Monday 12 January 2015

Great Celestial Church Leader Pa Joshua Akande Ogunorunlayede (Calvary Parish 1) - A Year After His Demise The World Continue To Celebrate His Vision


 
Many Nigerians especially members of the Celestial Church of Christ(CCC) Calvary Parish 1 Ogba Aguda, Lagos, in the early hours of Sunday, January 12, 2014 when calls started hitting their phones that the great Shepherd, Superior Evangelist (Dr.) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlayede (CMA, ELMA, GCHSA, JP) has passed unto the great beyond.  
Superior Evangelist (Dr.) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlaiyede died on Saturday January 11th at the ripe age of 72, is the founder of the Celestial Church of Christ, Calvary Parish 1-6 with Headquarters at CCC, Calvary Parish 1.

The bitterness of mind was precipitated on the fact that the 72 years old shepherd of one of the biggest parishes in the Celestial fold was an embodiment of humility and mercy while he was alive and many of his flocks loved him to bits; shock because, the man of God never showed any sign of sudden death in the early part of the year before his demise at 10:40pm on Saturday January 11 at a private hospital at Ifako Ijaiye area of Lagos, South West Nigeria.
 I am indeed proud to say that I know the man, Superior Evang. Joshua Akande Ogunorunlayede (Shepherd-in-Charge) Calvary Parish1, and I can testify that he was indeed an honest and great man of God, full of vision. His was a peculiar calling, I was one of those who benefited immensely from his spiritual benevolence when he was alive over 10 years ago before my sojourn to England . I visited the church on several occasion though I was a full member of MFM then, and I can tell you that CCC Calvary Parish 1 is the most democratic and spiritually gifted church. I can recollect him asking me if what was prophesied about me was right before he signed the paper. 
I've never  worship or entered a white garment church before my encounter with  Baba Akande Ogunorunlayede. Within 3 months of my meeting him, all that was Prophesied started coming to manifest. My first son came about a year after my first encounter with the church after waiting 7-yrs for fruit of the womb. I'm here in this country united Kingdom by The grace of God and the prophecy I got from this Church. And on my part I have encouraged about hundreds of people to this church over the years. I can also attest to a Redeemed Christian Church of God member who was also blessed with the fruit of the womb about 10 years wait.
With First wife, late Mother Celestila Felicia Abegbe Ogunorunlayede during a service in 2011
During the last two services that heralded the new year which is the Cross-Over Service of December 31st 2013/1st of January 2014 and the New Moon Service (A spiritual service of the Celestial faithful which comes up every first Thursdays of the month) of January 2nd 2014, Ogunorunlayede had danced religiously and celebrated amidst praise worship songs by the church choir and went ahead to give a prophetic sermon which was delivered with lots of enthusiasm and happiness on his face. But not until his sudden demise on January 11 did many faithful started reading meanings into some of his actions in the last one month leading to his death as it became evident that the man of God probably had premonitions of his own death. 

For instance during the new moon service of Thursday January 2nd inside the Ogba Aguda cathedral of the church which has six annex parishes in Lagos and Ogun state, while he was about delivering his sermon around 12 am in the early hours of the day, the man of God had called unto some wandering members of the church who are in the habit of moving around the cathedral when the word of God is being delivered, he yelled at  them and said “E wole wa, Aja loma ngbeta, o le je eleyi la ma’a so, ta’a ni le so mi mo” (Come into the cathedral and listen to the word of God; it is a dog that stays outside; this might be our last chance to talk to you like this”). This and many other actions were catalogued in the minds of the over three thousand members who throng the church premises on Sunday January 12 to do two things; console the family of the shepherd and render worship to God Almighty. The service which was directed by one of the church elders, Senior Evangelist Kayode Ajala drew lots of faithful to the premises; they shed tears and also sang in memory of their beloved shepherd but were quickly motivated out of fear by words from the council of elders of the church through the secretary of the churchEvangelist Obadiah Akanbi Abioro. There was also a strong worship hour demonstrated by the church choir as they delivered soul moving hymns that elicited nostalgic feelings of the late man of God coupled with a very powerful and soul searching sermon which was equally delivered by one of the leaders of the churchHonorary Most Senior Evangelist J.O Folarin (JP).
Baba in the midst of the Church's Brigade of Guard while welcoming Pastor EMF Oschoffa to Jesus @ Golgotha 2013

Baba Ogunorunlayede in a joyous mood with worshipers.
 Scene 1, Act 1: He died one year after his wife departed!
One of the most shocking episodes of the demise of Papa, Superior Evangelist (Dr.) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlayede on Saturday January 11 was the reality that the man passed away exactly one year after his first and elderly wife passed on at age 68. His elderly wife and mother of his eldest children, Mother Celestial Felicia Abegbe Ogunorunlayede passed on January 22nd 2013 at the hour of 11 am at age 68 while her husband passed away on January 11 2014 at the hour of 10:40pm at age 72. The two died at the same hospital, Veritas Medical Center, Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, South West Nigeria. Before their demise, although the man of God had a surviving young wife, Madam Olufunmilayo Ogunorunlayede who bore him 4 lovely children but his love for his first wife who gave him his first 5 children among which is a shepherd, entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts, was said to be very strong as they shared some of the best moments of life together. They both visited Israel 8 years ago and also visited London for ministerial assignment couple of years back. The church which is famously known for strong spiritual works marked with signs and wonders, has six parishes which are CCC, Calvary Parish 1, Aguda-Ogba; Lagos, CCC, Calvary Parish II, Akute Ogun state; CCC, Calvary Parish III, Itele Road, Ota, Ogun State; CCC, Calvary Parish IV, Idi-Eme, Ogun State; CCC, Calvary Parish V, Old Akute Road, Obawole and CCC, Calvary Parish VI, Olowora, Isheri, Lagos. He is the founding Shepherd of all the Calvary Parishes of the Celestial Church of Christ.
CCC Calvary faithful on the day Baba passed on

Mass of faithfuls at one of Baba's revivals.
Scene 1, Act Two 7 Mysterious things he did to show he knew he was going.
When asabeafrika paid a visit to the Church premises penultimate Wednesday morning after the Dew of Harmon Service (Mercy Hour service) which took place around 9 am with many parishioners attending, some faithful who spoke to this blog felt their shepherd had a strong premonition of his demise to the great beyond hence he carried out some last minutes actions that were indicative of his intention. First was the issue of the theme for their 33rd Adult Harvest Anniversary which takes place every first Sundays of December. The last harvest (33rd Adult Harvest) on December 1st 2013 was invariably tagged “Jesus at Golgotha” by nobody than the shepherd himself. According to information at asabeafrika’s disposal, when the adult harvest anniversary committee was looking for a theme to give the 33rdharvest celebration, they consulted Baba (Ogunorunlayede), but Baba was said to have told them to give him some days to reply them as he needed to consult the Holy Spirit. But on returning to him few days later, the late shepherd was said to have handed them the theme “Jesus at Golgotha” which many of them found very funny and disturbing but couldn’t reject their shepherd’s wish. As one of the youth leaders in the church Mr. Seye Popoola pointed out to this blog “Yes, we were particularly not in agreement with that theme because Golgotha was where Jesus finished his earthly ministry and he said “It is finished”. Golgotha to my own understanding is associated with sorrow and we had no reason to have brought it close to a harvest anniversary ceremony where we are expected to dance and rejoice. But as you can see, the man had his own peculiar interpretation. He was a great man, he saw it coming but he didn’t want to make us jittery. He was only telling us that he was going after finishing his own 33 years of evangelical works on earth”.  
Baba Ogunorunlayede in a very joyous mood during a revival

 Scene Two, Act Two: The mystery of 33
Another very reliable authority who spoke to us in the fold said, the late shepherd was only prophetic with his demise as he, like Our Lord Jesus Christ was ready to depart after 33 years of earthly spiritual sojourn. Hear him “Jesus spent a total of 33 years on planet earth; he spent three years doing his ministerial work before his demise at age 33. The late Pastor founder, Pastor SBJ Oschoffa also spent 33 years in ministry before his demise in 1985 (He arrived Nigeria in 1952). Baba Akande Ogunorunlayede started this church (Calvary) inside a swampy desert in 1980 and last year he clocked 33 years in his ministry and like every great Celestials, his works speaks for him. Today what he has turned this desert into, Julius Bagger will not be able to do it; today we have a solid spiritual empire with a white Angel House for spiritual consultations, a mercy land, a spiritual fountain for water baptism, a hospital and numerous other spiritual innovations. The man spent quite a fortune building this ministry and at 33 years of ministerial work, he was ready to depart hence the Jesus at Golgotha theme. He probably knew he was knocking on the heavens door but the way he did it was what shocked his flocks”
Worshippers mourning Baba on January 12, 2014.
 Scene 3, Act 3: The Mysterious Diary
During the 2010 adult harvest, the man of God gave the theme as “The Peculiar People 2010”, in 2011, he tagged it “Eternal Rock of ages” in 2012, he tagged it “Come unto Me” and last year, 2013 he tagged it “Jesus at Golgotha”. But few days after his departure to glory, some of his aides discovered a mysterious diary inside his office where he already wrote the theme for 2014 titled “The kingdom of Priests 2014” with reference to Hebrew 4:8-16. Now, every one that read that portion of the Bible which spoke about dying and resting with Christ in heavenly glory were double sure that the late Superior Evangelist (Dr.) Joshua AkandeOgunorunlayede was given the clairvoyance of the Biblical Prophet Elijah who was enabled to have a fore knowledge  of his  ascension unto glory. 

These and many other mysterious things confirmed the greatness of the man. Secondly, he was said to have attended the yearly Celestial Church of Christ Holy City Program at Imeko, Ogun state on 24th of December 2013 and had demanded to see the Pastor Emmanuel Mobiyina Oschoffa before leaving. Although the same Oschoffa had graced Ogunorunlayede’s 33rd adult harvest on the first Sunday of December 2013 but he was said to have insisted on seeing the Pastor for the last time. Ogunorunlayede was unable to see Mobiyina on the first day of the service (24th) until the second day (25th) when he was able to meet the Pastor face-to-face and had a private encounter with him “After seeing Baba (Ogunorunlayede), the Pastor (Mobiyina) refused to see any other guest again” scooped an aide who was privy to the Imeko meeting. The aide said further “The first day, we couldn’t see the Pastor and this man (Ogunorunlayede) slept on the bench with all of us after the service; he was upbeat till we saw the Pastor. Thirdly, he also started watching tapes of the miracles performed by the late Pastor founder, SBJ Oschoffa throughout the journey and even when we returned to Lagos, he busied himself with those tapes. Fourthly, after seeing Pastor Mobiyina Oschoffa, he visited the late Pastor founderSBJ Oschoffa’s grave and prayed for a long while before we departed for Lagos. After that encounter, he was so full of joy and we couldn’t figure what was responsible for his upbeat mood”. Fifthly, he also changed the entire furniture at the Church’s vicarage and also demarcated the property of his children off the cathedral building. All these he did within a month to his demise. Sixthly, he was said to have visited his CCC, Calvary V, Old Abeokuta Road, Obawole for the adult harvest anniversary, something he has not done in the last six years.  
Baba during another revival in the last weeks before his demise.

 Scene 4, Act 4: Drama and dynamics of his last moment.
Ogunorunlayede’s last moments were full of drama as well as suspense. One of his aides revealed more “He was in church on the 31st as he conducted the Cross over service with lots of music, joy and enthusiasm. He was one man who rejoices at doing revivals; he enjoys Celestial hymns, perfumes, incense, and the revivals. One of his hobbies is to sprinkle expensive perfumes on his flocks and rejoice with prophets and prophetess. He did all this on that night with so much enthusiasm and gusto; he equally delivered the sermon which was quite revealing. 

On January 2ndduring the New Moon Service, he did more than what he did on the Cross Over Night. Everything he did during the cross over night, he did double during the New moon service of January 2nd. He danced to the extent that people were worried for his health because he is advanced in age and it is not new for him to fall ill at intervals and come back on his feet. At a time during that service, he took over the microphone and was dishing out Celestial Hymns to the choir; he practically took over as the Choir Master. He also poured so much perfume on the flocks. It was a great celebration. But the odd moment came when he was about to preach, while on the podium, he charged everyone to come into the cathedral and warned them that this might be his last opportunity to speak with them. He equally lashed them that it is dogs that stay outside when the word of God is going on, not men”. “That actually turned out to be his last sermon. On Friday, 3rd January he was rushed to the hospital. It was a very bewildered church that was told on January 5th (First Sunday of the Year) that their Shepherd-in-charge was on “Bed rest”, that was never a challenge as they knew the man was advanced in age and had always gone on bed rest from time to time. From Friday 3rd he was placed on drip until Wednesday, January 8th when it seems his health was improving and some of his aides, children and grand children visited his bed side and were elated to see a glowing man, smiling to everyone in sight”.  

The aide concluded. “He couldn’t really talk since January 3rd when he was rushed into the emergency space of the hospital. But like late Nelson Mandela, Baba couldn’t talk but he related with his eyes; if you open the door, he will smile at you and that showed he recognized you” revealed another source to this blog.  According to further information, all the visitors to the hospital soon departed home except his young wife, Lady Funmilayo Ogunorunlayede who did all the clean ups and stayed with him. All this time he was said to have lost his voice. Thursday and Friday, he was in a deep sleep but on Saturday 11th, things changed as the Veteran man of God was prepared to go home, his body was said to have suddenly changed with his breathing becoming difficult and by the time medics were called in to stabilize him he passed away. Few minutes before then, he was said to have recovered his voice and shouted “Halleluyah” for some minutes before he slumped back and went into deep coma. One very significant mystery that was recorded at the hospital was the fact that public power never seized since he was admitted, but immediately he breathed his last, the power went off and it remained so till his body was evacuated to the mortuary.
Baba during his last revivals at the tail end of 2013

 Scene 5, Act 5 Testimonies from aides
asabeafrika spoke with some of his aides who have worked with him for long years, one of them is Superior Wolider Ranti Ojewole who described the late Ogunorunlayede as a great teacher of the word who never did anything without spiritual ordinance. “He is my ultimate spiritual father” claims the Awe, Oyo state born Man of God who has worked with Ogunorunlayede for 18 years. Prophet Ranti recalled one of the interesting moments which defined his relationship with his late boss and remained indelible on his mind “That was the experience that led me into my first trance in this church; I had always wondered what the source of the man’s power is. So, one day, he sent me to his bed room to get something for him and to my surprise I saw many portraits of Jesus Christ (Pictures) surrounding his bed. But I was not still sure, the portraits were many and as I was still trying to look around the room and see if I can get any incriminating thing to assuage my suspicion about his source of spiritual power, those pictures came out and became flesh and I was encased with great fear. Suddenly I staggered and lost control, I was terribly wounded and I never knew what happened again. I went on trance. Until the 8thday, when the spirit of God interpreted what transpired to me; I was told that the power I am trying to search for is what actually came out and that power is Jesus Christ; that Ogunorunlayede uses no other power than that of Christ and since I was trying to find out his source of power, it was revealed to me with a gift of prophecy. That experience was quite revealing for me and till date, I revere the experience because it changed my belief about him totally. I have never met a man like him since my sojourn in the Celestial fold and we might need to pray to get such a man again”.
Baba during one of his sermon in 2013 with his aides.
On his own part, Owoh, Ondo state born Senior Evangelist  Emmanuel Akin Ogundipe aka Germany who has worked with Ogunorunlayede since he returned from Germany in 1990 described the late Ogunorunlayede thus “He is someone I call ‘My lord’ and a leader you can ask God to fashion your life after; a great leader and tolerant teacher. I will also describe him as a spiritual legal practitioner, someone with a high authority on his tongue. Some years ago, he just returned from the yearly Holy City of Imeko Christmas prayer event and they brought a man with stroke here, he didn’t say a word, he moved near the man and started pulling his hands and legs and the man became healed. That is the kind of man he is; here I treat mad people and the sick ones; but before I do anything, I go to him for what I call “tongue authority”. He is a unique leader”. Evangelist Ogundipe shared his last experience with Baba with us, “It was during our Thursday-Thursday Prophet and Prophetess Service that I got a very fearful vision. The vision directed me to the book of 2nd Timothy 4: 6-8 which says “For I am already being poured out as drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is a laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but to all who have loved His Appearing” those lines of course baffled me, this was sometime in December 2013 and not until when Baba passed away that the real meaning of those Biblical lines hit me like a thunderbolt”
Assistant Evangelist David Orisunmibola  in his own word described his boss of over ten years as a man who cannot die even if his body dies “when Papa Oschoffa died in 1985, many of us thought Celestial Church would come to an end but instead the church even became stronger and spread to places we never thought it could get to; even places Oschoffa himself never visited, CCC got there. If you look at Ogunorunlayede, he is equally like that, many Calvaryians might think this is the end of this unique ministry but I can assure you miracles just started afresh here. Right now, Ogunorunlayede has joint the saint triumphant for a life of bliss but his work of faith will become stronger because when Jesus departed, his gospel grew. When Papa Oschoffa departed, his calling expended. Calvary Parish will experience the same”. Orisunmibola who also witnessed some of the last minutes of his boss gave us another shocking drama that characterized those last moments “In the morning, he will wake up to the music of Jim Reeves and when the track “I will fly away to glory” come blaring, his mood will change and he will stand and start dancing with great enthusiasm and at that moment, nothing you say to him matters”.
 Evangelist Dave Memeh from Delta state remembers his boss of 18 years as a man rooted in truth and the spirit of God “He is full of spirit and will never do anything except God tells him to do so. He is humorous, a great evangelist and philanthropist. He is a man who can lay down his life for you to achieve anything”Dave Memeh gave us his own unique experience with the late clergy “You can’t lie to Baba. If you lie to him today, tomorrow, you will go and tell him the whole truth because you won’t be able to sleep. He will tell you he has accepted but your inability to sleep will make you to go and tell him everything. He is a thorough leader who despises lies and insincerity. He will never lie to you and he dislikes lies as well”Evangelist Dave Memeh who was on the last trip with his Baba to Imeko last December confirmed all his aforementioned action at Imeko. 
Superior Wolider Dimeji Jaiyeola aka Ustadhs who changed from his Islamic faith to Christianity said it was Baba Ogunorunlayede who  gave him the peculiar assurance that Christ is the light. The Abeokuta, Ogun state born cleric who has spent 8 years with the late founder of Calvary Parish said “Ogunorunlayede is a shepherd of shepherds”  “when I came onboard I would have gone back into Islam but his humble attitude to leadership is what kept me here till now. He was a man who lived by his words. If a quarter of Celestial shepherds could be like him, Celestial Church would have been the greatest church in the world. I have worked with many spiritual leaders but only few can display the kind of faith Ogunorunlayede displays; he sits at his duty post and never travels like some other church leaders; he will tell us, anything God cannot give me on this seat, let Him keep it to Himself. That is one of the qualities of a genuine man of God; they leave everything to God. He is a symbol of faith”.
Evangelist Olujimi Adisa who is the Chairman of the side men/side women in the church describe Akande Ogunorunlayede as an “extra –ordinary leader” “He is someone who believes that what he says would come to pass. He will never do anything God didn’t ask him to do. He is a peculiar leader; one in a million. He hates lies and liars; he loves truth and he lived for the truth. You can’t see a parish like this elsewhere. He was a democrat; you don’t even need to see him before you get solution to your spiritual problems here; he already created a system that works. The Calvary Parish modem with our White Angel Consultation Arcade and the seven wise men (spiritual tables) or Shepherd Assistants’ tenth is a master wonder of the Holy Spirit in this church.  Many Nigerians even from the Pentecostal churches and Muslim faith come here on a daily basis for spiritual consultation and they get results because our prophets who are constantly on trance will tell you the real truth about your condition and you will be set free. That is one great legacyOgunorunlayede left behind”. 
Baba during one of the New Moon Services in 2013...blesing his flocks.
Baba during one of his sermon in 2013 with his aides.
In a sermon titled Destiny few Sundays after Baba’s demise, Senior Evangelist James Femi Adegbe, a top leader of the CCC, Calvary Parish 1 Choir attested to the fact that the late Shepherd knew he was going but chose not to relate it to his flocks as that might sadden their heart and cause a break. In the sermon titled “Destiny” Evangelist Adegbe who is one of the few reformists in the Celestial Church fold gave a background of how he knew Baba Ogunorunlayede couple of years ago while he (Adegbe) was leaving with the late CCC Supreme Evangelsit Ajanlekoko. He said Ogunorunlayede who used to visit Ajanlekoko at Ketu International Head Quarters would dress in a neatly ironed Sultana and will drive into Ketu International HQ with his driver in a white Church boss, seating at the passenger seat and looking neat and trim. That immediately Baba sights Ajanlekoko, Baba will go flat and prostrate to the old man, who will in turn bless him with prayers. Adegbewent ahead to give personal things that transpired between him and the late shepherd in the last phase of 2013  which suggest the man knew he was going “Before he died, he called us in the choir and asked us to change the furniture in front of his office; he said we must change them quickly as there was no time to be wasted. Unknown to us, the new furniture were not for him to seat physically but for his guiding angels to sit on after his demise. Because when he said we must do it urgently, we kept wondering why. Secondly, when Baba is taking his breakfast in front of that office, if you pass and greet him, he will only wave to you and continues to eat. But sometime in December, he was eating Ikokore (Yam Porridge) and I passed by, greeting him as usual and walked away but I never knew that the man was calling me back to come and eat with him; it was his son, Sunday Ogunorunlayede who shouted my name and said “Ah, Baba is calling you to come and eat now”. I was shocked because it never happened before; so I said ‘okay, maybe this is a way to get a special blessing. I got closer and ate from his dish. He eventually pushed the plate to me to eat everything and that was too peculiar to me because it never happened before”. “So, let’s not delude ourselves, the old man knew his time was up. Only that it will be a bad task for him to say to us “Gentle men, I am going on so, so day. Hold the house and keep the faith”
Baba during the last harvest 'Jesus @ Golgotha with Pastor EMF Oschoffa.
The Church Secretary Reacts
Evangelist Obadiah Akanbi Abioro is the secretary and Chief Information Officerof CCC, Calvary Parish 1, he told asabefarika some of the things he knew about his late boss and also reacted to fears about the greatness of the church after the shepherd’s demsie “You said I should define my late boss, a simple definition might not be enough for Pa, Superior Evangelist (Dr.) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlayedebecause he was a man of many parts. And for the fact that in whatever he believes, he follows it to the logical conclusion; I will rather say he is indefatigable because he was never tired in his works in the vineyard for 33 years”. On what he learnt from Ogunorunlayede’s life style, the Shawonjo, Yewa North, Ogun state born clergy spoke further “Here was a man who personally believes in prophetic utterances; if he wants something, prophetically he says it and he would continue to tell you thatJesus would do it and you will see the thing come to pass. He is an unalloyed Celestial tenet loyalist” Evangelist Abioro who has been working with the late shepherd officially since 1998 after meeting him in 1985 confirmed the founding of asecret diary inside his office with a theme for 2014 adult harvest inside it. But does he suspect that his late boss knew he was going to die? Abioro reacts “As a strong man with lots of followers, in spite of the fact that he received heavenly hosts as guests yet he prevented people from getting frightened; he presented himself as somebody who is just ill but for a while and true to it, it was for a while because he is hale and hearty now in the bosom of Christ Jesus”. On the major fear that the church could be taken over by forces from the National Headquarters, Ketu who might not understand the dream and vision of the builder and thereby deplete the strength of the church, Abioro thought for a while before giving an answer to the question “What you just asked me is a very big question but I will equally give you a big answer, a big question in the sense that Baba’s activities transcend all human endeavors. To sustain his legacy, we must go back into the spirit and consult in order for us to get the best direction on how to sustain his special spiritual legacy. We must equally imbibe his attributes such as love, sincerity, concentration and faith that used to be his own pivot. Having put all these in place by all of us that are spiritually born by him in Calvary Parish especially the re-constituted Council of Elders which he did few weeks before his demise, God being by our side, we have nothing to fear. His foot print in the sands of time will be adequately protected”. The very lettered Abioro concluded. 
Baba in the midst of his flocks...blessing them.

My Father has run a good race---son, Kayode Ogunorunlayede.
His first son, Special Apostle Kayode Ogunorunlayede who is the Shepherd-in- charge of CCC, Calvary Parish III, Itele Road, Ota, Ogun state who was busy receiving guests from all parts of the world on the day we visited was full of emotions when he spoke to asabeafrika “I am full of gratitude to God for your presence here, it only showed that my father touched so many lives in his short term on planet earth. He was a very brave man, a strong father, shepherd and a visionary of sort. My father was a dreamer and like it was said in the book ofHabakkuk 2:2-3, it says “then the Lord answered me and said ‘write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads them. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end, it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it. Because it will surely come, it will not tarry”. When my Father the late Superior Evangelist (Dr.) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlayede stormed this swamp with my mother and some of us in 1980, we thought he was crazy, we were practically living with snakes, monkeys, wild birds and all sorts of animals but in 33 years, look at what the man did with his vision. Today we have Calvary Clinic for our pregnant women, White Angel house for spiritual consultation, Calvary fountain for water baptism and even the seven elders table (Shepherd Assistants) that helped my dad run the affairs of the church in his life time. Last year we lost my mum and this year we lost my dad, we have equally contributed our quota to kingdom heritage and I am proud to tell you that the man you came here to ask about has gone to rest with the saints. He has run a good race and he is there with the saints. We have never stopped receiving guests from all over the country here, you can check our condolence register and you will be shocked with the caliber of people that are trooping in to celebrate with us; don’t mourn my father. Let us celebrate him because he died an accomplished Christian and kingdom builder. He ran with the vision at the appointed time and his legacy is large enough for us to roll by.

Baba, Superior Evangelist (Dr.) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlaiyede (JP) was born on May 1, 1942 into a Christian family (Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion) at Idi Emi via Aiyetoro, Yewa Local Government of Ogun State. His father was Pa Peter Adesola Adio Ogunlade and his mother, Madam Susanah Ajoke Ogunlade.

Educational Career
This career saw him through Irogun Ilaro Primary School, in the then Egbado South Local Government of Western Region of Nigeria, now Yewa South Local Government of Ogun State. He proceeds to the United Secondary Modern School, Aiyetoro, Yewa North Local Government, having completed his primary education. He bagged a diploma as Communication Technician from Western Region Vocational Training School in Ile-Ife. Finally he obtained his Ordinary Level of Education through Wholsey College, London (Correspondence College). Baba Joshua was adjudged the epitome of brilliance by his colleagues during his time.
With First wife, late Mother Celestila Felicia Abegbe Ogunorunlayede during a service in 2011
His Working Career
At the completion of his Secondary education he left his home base, Idi Emi for Osogbo in search of greener pasture. He put up with a relation, Corporal Nathanial Alao Bamigbade, a.k.a Alao Jagua, a police officer
With the assistance of this relation he secured an employment with Rediffusion Nig. Ltd a subsidiary of the then Western Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (WNBC). He was sent for six months vocational training on Communication at Ife where he bagged his diploma as Communication Technician. He took charge of the entire Osogbo province now Osun State Connecting more than thirty towns and villages together with Rediffusion Communication. These towns and villages included Osogbo, Ife, Gbongon, Ijebujesha, Ilesha, Ilaorangun, Iseyin, Ede, Ilobu, Ire, Ikire, Apomu, Ikoyi and many more. His zeal for climbing while connecting communities earned him a nickname EJo (Snake) among the communities. 
The Jesus @ Golgotha Banner at the entrance of the church on December 1st 2013
Ikoyi, among these communities is very symbolic in the life of Baba, not only for his staying there for over nine years; it was at Ikoyi, he met Mama M/C Felicia Abegbe Ogunorunlaiyede and marriage got contracted culminating into his becoming a father in life.
Baba, Superior Evangelist (Dr) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlaiyede is never daunted any day anytime or under whatever circumstance. Neither his marriage nor his herculean and extensive official assignments prevented him from struggling on with his private study with his WholseyCorrespondence College in London.
He got his Ordinary Level General Certificate of Education in 1971 and a year later he passed his Advance Level General Certificate on Education.
In 1972, he relocated to Lagos with his family. In Lagos he had an encounter with his Uncle,Ayinde Tinubu (now Sup. Evangelist Ayinde Tinubu of CCC. Agege Parish, Ogba). Uncle Ayinde as a mentor contributed in no small measure to the redemption of the life of our father, Sup. Evang.(Dr.) J. A. Ogunorunlaiyede (JP) both morally and spiritually.
With one of Pastor Founder SBJ Oschoffa's son, Evangelist Tosho.
Sup. Evang. (Dr.) Ayinde Tinubu a.k.a Olori Oko in 1973 got Baba Ogunorunlaiyede initiated into the Celestial Church of Christ and he bought him the first Sultana dress.
Baba proceeded on his journey in Celestial with special interest in message writing. He rose to the rank of Onibode (Side Man). Baba while waiting on the Lords for an employment is usually found within the church premises either reading his Bible or recording prophetic messages for people. He was doing this for a while living on charity. By divine arrangement, Baba got a job with United Bank for Africa, Marina in 1975.
He was sent on various courses relating to his new profession in which he excelled each time. There was that particular course leading to managerial promotion for selected executives from the then thirteen branches of the bank and the headquarters. He was among them. At the end of the course and examination only three persons passed the examination for this promotion and our indefatigable Ogunorunlaiyede was among the three persons.
While the jubilation lasted in the official circles the message came from the divine realm that Baba, Superior Evangelist Joshua Akande Ogunornlaiyede (JP) should proceed immediately into the vineyard of God with the mandate to build a church for the Lord. The voice further opined, a protracted illness would follow the refusal of this divine instruction and that the illness will pave way for paralysis.
He therefore put up his letter of resignation. His manager, Mr. J. A. Olorunniola (now of CCC Ikeja II) was rather surprised at the development but God’s will must be fulfilled. He was left with no other option than to receive the letter from him.
Baba, Superior Evanglist (Dr.) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlaiyede (JP) came to this wilderness now known as Calvary Parish 1 in 1980. The name Orile Aguda Parish was given to the Parish then. As the work of the Lord progressed the name Orile Aguda Parish was changed through divine message from Orile Aguda to Celestial Church of Christ, Calvary Parish and that the Parish would in future have seven branch parishes. Today we already have six Calvary Parishes while the seventh in the offing.
Baba; Blessing worshippers with expensive perfume
These Six Parishes are:
 05/04/81 – CCC Calvary 1 Aguda Ogba.
07/05/87 – CCC Calvary 11 Akute Ogun State
10/02/89 – CCC Calvary 111 Itele Road, Ota, Ogun State
04/11/89 – CC C Calvary 1V Idi-Eme, Ogun State.
05/03/95 – CCC Calvary V Old Akute Road, Obawole
11/03/95 – CCC Calvary V1 Olowora, Isheri, Lagos.

These six parishes aside, we still have about fifteen other parishes as offspring of Calvary 1. These include Gesthemane, Canaan, Ile Ileri, Ajinde Ayo, etc.
Baba's Condolense Register...has 1,500 posts as at 1st March.
His Transformation
Baba, Superior Evangelist (DR.) JA Ogunorunlaiyede (JP) is a child covenant as narrated by Pa Peter Ado Ogunlade, his biological father.
Baba Ogunorunlaiyede is the only male child of his mother’s six children, the rest being females. His father not satisfied with only female children went to the Lord in prayer as a devoted Christian leader of the church of Nigeria Anglican Communion.
To God be the glory, in the year 1940 during the New Year eve, i.e December 31st 1940. The Reverend, after the night’s sermon asked individuals to make request for one important thing in their lives. This time Pa Ogunlade put it to prayer requesting God to give him a male child with a covenant that the child would work for the Lord in his vineyard and his prayer was answered.
On First day of May 1942, Baba Ogunorunlaiyede the requested male child was born. He was christened Julius Akande Ogunlade, a very special child. But while he became a shepherd after ten years the voice of the Lord came down to effect a complete change of the entire name fromJulius to Joshua and Ogunlade to Ogunorunlaiyede meaning an Angel came from heaven inhuman body.
Baba Superior Evang. (Dr). J. A Ogunorunlaiyede received many awards from National and International Organizations in his life time and these includes Distinguished Christian Merit Award (CMA), Grand Commander of healing and Spiritual Administration (GCHSA),Patriotic Christian Leadership Merit Award (ELMA) Justice of Peace (JP) and many more.
To the glory of God, Baba was happily married with children and grand children.


Madam Funmilayo Ogunorunlayede, the surviving wife of Pa (Dr.) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlayede the Founding Shepherd of the Celestial Church of Christ, Calvary Parish (1-6) with headquarters at CCC, Calvary Parish 1, Ogba-Aguda behind County Hospital, Ogba-Lagos South West Nigeria is one woman who keeps to herself with a modest character and humble demeanor.
The Lanlate, Oyo state, South West Nigeria born mother of four who has spent over two decade with the man of God took off time from her mourning schedule to grantasabeafrika an exclusive interview bordering on some of the memorable experiences she shared with her legendary husband during his life time. She told us some of the things that interest her husband and some major incidences that characterized his last moments on earth.  The very beautiful woman of God didn’t forget to share some of the last moment wishes of her husband with us. It is quite a revealing interview which took place few days to his funeral rights inside the church vicarage. Enjoy the excerpts.
We thank you for giving us this few moments despite your mourning schedule. We are here to seek your opinion about your husband, the great man, late Superior Evangelist (Dr.) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlayede whose final moments is being celebrated this week. As his wife, how will you define him?

Baba is a great man like you said; I won’t like to describe him in the past tense because I strongly believe that he is still around with us. He is one father that loves his children and dots them well, I wish a lot of Christian fathers can emulate his attitude. He is one man who loves to share anything he has with others. He is generous even to a fault and for that; you will see that even his gospel as a Celestian didn’t take much from people. He hates to put burden on people.

Lady Funmilayo Ogunorunlayede (M) with Her husband and first wife
wife (both late now) during a church program
As a husband, how would you describe him?
He is a very loving man; a caring husband and he could be dotting as well. A lot of people think because he is a shepherd then he wont have a life for his family. But that is not Baba, he takes time to peruse what goes on in his family, he tries to monitor the progress of his children’s education as well as my own progress as his wife. He is such a loving husband and if I come back to this world I will love to marry him all over again. I mean if there is something called re-incarnation, Baba will remain my love.
“Baba doesn’t pamper his children but he will correct you. He will give you measures that you must not overshoot. My children know much about him; Baba loves education. At least on that, he tried for my children. He ensured they took their education really, really serious”

Apart from shepherding his flocks, what other things does he love doing? What are his delightful activities?
Baba loves reading; he can read anything good especially the Bible. He loves reading the Bible. He loves Christian literatures; at times he will visit bookshops and purchase large quantity of Christian literatures and other Christian magazines. There was a time I followed him down to Challenge at Mushin, there is one big book shop there and he purchased some very quality Christian books. He was so passionate about the outing and anytime he buys a book, it is like he just won a jackpot. He is a reader and I think that really helped him to become a leader.
So, his basic passion is reading?
You can get anything from him if you are a reader. He also likes to listen to Music especially this Akin AdebayoImole Ayo song. Baba loves his songs to bits.
A Big banner donated by Prophets and Prophetesses to honor
her late husband, Baba Ogunorunlayede
Which other artistes does he like apart from Imole Ayo?
Oh, I have forgotten the name of the artiste, he is a foreign artiste. I even bought the CD for him recently before he passed away. (Someone in the room mentioned the name to her) Yes, he is Jim Reeves. I heard the song from him for the first time in 1986; he normally plays it inside his Mazda Bus then. So, he has been listening toJim Reeves for twenty eight years. I can say that is his favorite British artiste. If you want his mood to fly, just give him a Jim Reeves or Imole Ayo and you will see my husband in the best of mood.
What about his fashion sense, how would you define him when it comes to fashion?
Baba is fashionable o. if not because of Sultana (White Garment) Baba would love to dress Cooperate, he likes suits. You know he has a banking background. Baba is a very fashionable person if not for Sultana and he is a very neat person, very, very neat.  He is always neat, he hates anything dirty. 
Madam Funmilayo Akande Ogunorunlayede with Baba's First son,
Apostle Kayode Ogunorunlayede
What about his favorite meal and do you cook it for him?
Baba loves Amala with Gbegiri. Baba is from this part of Egbado in Yewa area of Ogun state where the art of cutlery is very high. They don’t joke with their Amala,Gbegiri, Eko and Ojojo (Yam Porridge). Those are Baba’s favorite meals and I do cook them for him anytime he feels like having them. He likes eating Ojojo and Eko
What about his travel sense; I think he only traveled to Israel once and the United Kingdom once, do you think it was deliberate?
Baba likes travelling to his Village (Idi-Eme), he loves going there. Baba doesn’t like traveling far distances apart from his village. He doesn’t travel too far. He believes in always being around for his flocks and sacrificing for their sake through prayers and spiritual intercession. He was a home grown shepherd who never leaves the domain of worship except on very, very rare occasions. He has a cathedral in his village as well. So, anywhere he finds himself, the work continues, the worship is never ending.
Was he a strict father to his children?
I can say Baba is a disciplinarian, Baba is not strict but he will give you measures. He has principles and if you are his child and you truly follow his principles you will find them working for you. Baba doesn’t pamper his children but he will correct you. He will give you measures that you must not overshoot. My children know much about him; Baba loves education. At least on that, he tried for my children. He ensured they took their education really, really serious. At least I have two graduates and one undergraduate and the last one in secondary school; in SS2. That I find very rewarding from a father who cherishes education as a basic necessity of life. That shows his passion for education.
An Artistic illustration of the late Man of God, Superior Evangelist (Dr.)
Joshua Akande Ogunorunlayede
What were his last wishes that he couldn’t achieve before he was called home?
He told my children during a recent journey, they were actually coming back fromIdi-Eme that by next year he would love to build my own house for me in my village if the Lord permits.  He also said if the Lord permits, he will buy a helicopter that will be taking him down to his village for revivals. And that he will ensure that all the children become graduates. He was even asking my last daughter  if she will like to attend Covenant University or Babcock; that he thinks she will make a good lawyer. That is my last born. So, he had plans especially for the education of his children, he had dreams but he was equally aware that all his wishes could only be granted through the unlimited grace of God and when God decided to call him, he was never ashamed to honor the last call. He was a man of faith.
How many are the children and what are their names?
They are four; my first son is Omotayo while the second child a girl is Ayomide. We have Gabriel and the last one is Pelumi.
Pa. Superior Evangelist (Dr.) Joshua Akande Ogunorunlayede in his
final sleep with his Baptism Certificate
Ok, ma, what is your word for his fans around the world, people who loves and had benefitted from his spiritual goodwill, how should they honor his memory?
It is simple; continue to remember his good works. Never abuse his memory by making the work of salvation expensive. Remember that salvation is free and that is one of the cardinal principles of Baba. He ran a church where people were never forced to do beyond their will and wishes. He believed that anybody that is troubled in a way or the other must be given free lunch first before the assignment just likeJesus gave Peter  a basketful  of fish by the river side before he was called to work and like Jesus fed the multitude with few fish and bean cake. Baba is a giver of hope and the only way to immortalize him is to continue to do what he does. 

What about his legacy?
His legacy is the big shoes he left behind and I strongly believe that we need prayers to face the journey. I have started praying that the journey, where he stopped the journey, I pray that the next shepherd that will come will continue from there and God will strengthen the person.

Credit: Asabeafrika

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