On Saturday, 17th December 2017 Olorunwo Cathedral Church of Cherubim & Seraphim at Gbagada area of Lagos held its 32nd Christmas Carol & Service of 9 Lessons amidst great pageantry. This annual event which usually big had in attendance many very important personalities like the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who not only attended, but delivered a goodwill message.
On the day the headquarter of Olorunwa Church at 4/11 Bakare Daudu Street, Gbagada Lagos, a church which has many branches around the country and outside the country witnessed a gathering of eminent Nigerians. The primate of the Cathedral Church of Cherubim & Seraphim of Nigeria, Gbagada, Lagos, the Most Revd Dr. Emmanuel Omolaja Aremu Olorunwo presided over the celebration. Below is the blow by blow account of the event.
A GALAXY OF OFFICIATING MINISTERS
The Carol service witnessed a large turn out of men of God from various denominations. There were many African Bishops, Anglicans & Baptist clergy. Also in attendance were top members of the C&S 3 Archbishops of African Church. They are Archbishop Julius Abbey from Ibadan Diocese, Archbishop Odunfunwa from Akwa Ibom Diocese and Archbishop Olusegun Ogunsaye, the Chairman Ogun State Pilgrim Board from the African Church Mainland diocese.
There were also others like Bishop Ademola (Bishop of GHANA diocese), Bishop Banjo (from Bethlehem Church Lagos Street, Ebute-Metta, Baba Aladura Ajakaiye, Special Apostle Ogunkunle; Special Apostle Olabinjo, the SA to the Lagos Governor on Commerce and Industry. Also in attendance were many elders of the Cathedral. The officiating Minister of the Carol was venerable Barrister O.J. Olorunwo (Cathedral Provost) who is the SA to the Governor of Ogun State on General Duties.
Olorunwo Cathedral Priest were in attendance also. This include Deacon Dimeji Folami, Evangelist Daniel Moses, Snr. Evangelist Femi Agbaje, Most Senior Apostle Pastor M./A Babalola, Special Apostle Pastor Engr. Babatunde Badru (Chairman) and Special Apostle Pastor Major Kehinde Sogbamu. The General Evangelist, (MSA) Snr. Pastor, Lawyer E.I. Olorunwo was also involved, so also the Cathedral Provost (MSA) The Venerable Barrister O.J. Olorunwo.
HERE COMES THE LESSON READERS
13 eminent Nigerians read the various lessons. They are made up of Ogun State 1st Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s wife, Bola, Most Revd. Archbishop Julius Abbe, Prof. Eddy Omolehinwa, Chief Architect Tokunbo Omisore, Pastor Barrister Tola Olorunwo-Obaleye, Associate Prof. Olatunde Otusanya, Mr. Folorunso Esan, Toluwalogo Olorunwo, Chief Olawale Durowoju, Associate Professor Derin Ologbenla, Special Apostle Tunde Badru and Barrister O.J. Olorunwo (the Cathedral Provost).
WHO-IS-WHO AT THE CATHEDRAL
Many eminent Nigerians stormed the event like Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Chief Olawale Durowoju the Sabua of Gbagura came. He holds an important title. He is the Oloori Omooba of Gbagura kingdom, former Surveyor General of Lagos State and former SA to former Lagos Governor, Raji Fashola on Land Matters.
Mr. Folorunso Esan also played a prominent role. He is Commissioner for Environment in Ondo State. Associate Professor Olatunde Otusanya read the 2nd lesson. He is the Associate Prof. Of Accounting. He is married to Baba Olorunwos daughter who is a topshot at the Lagos State Ministry of Urban Development.
Professor Eddy Omotehinwa is a professor of Accounting at UNILAG. He is a guru in accounting. He has written several books and he is considered to be an authority in that sector.
Prof. Soga Sofola was also visible. He is a former DVC at UNILAG, former acting VC, OSU and former Provost College of Medicine, Idi Araba. Prof. Derin Ologbenla, an Associate Professor of Political Science at UNILAG read one of the lessons, whilst Prof. Iyiola Oni gave the vote of thanks. He is a Professor of Transportation in Georgraphy at UNILAG. There is also Engineer Tunde Badru, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Carol Service.
OBJ MADE THE EVENT
Give it to former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who at over 80 looked so strong and agile. He is a lesson in simplicity. He breezed in unannounced shortly after the service started. He wore a flowing white Agbada. He was the Special Guest of Honour. He also stood in for his wife, Chief Mrs. Bola Obasanjo who he explained had to travel to the US to see her step daughter, Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo who now lives in the U.S. He said she had to go honour her step daughter’s invitation. So, he came and delivered a very inspiring message on the significance of Xmas.
CHIEF OLANIYAN’S PIVOTAL ROLE
One eminent Nigerian who played a very prominent role at the event was Chief Olaniyan, the founder of Victory Group of Schools. He is Baba Olorunwo’s very good friend of over 55 years. He is a strong member of the Board of Trustees. “We have been friends for close to 55 years, Primate Olorunwo told City People. “He is my No 1 friend.” He is from Ode Omu, a historic town in Osun State. Primate Olorunwo has a branch of his church there. Chief Olaniyan is a big real estate player in the Ikeja area especially around Bola Memorial Church. He owns Olaniyan Estate.
