Connect with us

Lifestyle

PHOTOS: The Shocking and Unbelievable Story of Jesu Oyingbo – Lagos’ Self-Proclaimed Messiah

Published

2 months ago

on

In the long and complex religious history of Lagos—and indeed Nigeria—few figures have stirred as much fascination, controversy, and disbelief as Olufunmilayo Immanuel Odumosu, better known as Jesu Oyingbo.

Born in 1915 in Ijebu-Ode, present-day Ogun State, to an Egba family, Odumosu seemed destined for an ordinary life. He apprenticed as a carpenter under his uncle, Pa Odubela, who brought him to Lagos.

There, he briefly worked for the Post and Telecommunications Department before opening his own carpentry shed on Oil Mill Street. But financial troubles, including six months in jail, set him on a new path—one that would lead him to declare himself nothing less than the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

From Carpenter to Preacher

Odumosu’s turn toward religion began quietly. After work each day, he gathered curious listeners beneath a tree for Bible studies. By 1952, this small group had taken the name Universal College of Regeneration (UCR), with teachings that condemned the corruption of the material world and promised redemption through spiritual discipline. Alcohol and tobacco were banned, sexual restraint was demanded, and tithes were collected.

A wealthy convert’s gift of land in 1954 allowed him to establish a base in Ebute Metta, near Oyingbo Market. Loudspeakers blasted his sermons into the streets, attracting both devoted followers and mocking detractors. It was here he earned the nickname that would follow him for life—Jesu Oyingbo (“Jesus of Oyingbo”).

“I Am He” – The 1959 Declaration

In June 1959, at the age of 43, Odumosu stunned Lagos by publicly proclaiming:

> “I am He. I am Jesus Christ, the very one whose second coming was foretold in the New Testament… I have come to prepare the faithful for Judgment Day.”

Some dismissed him as a delusional preacher; others sold their possessions, abandoned their families, and moved into his growing commune.

The Rise of the “New Jerusalem”

From Oyingbo, the movement relocated first to Awoyokun Street in Palmgrove, and finally to Immanuel Street, Maryland, Ikeja—home to what his followers called the New Jerusalem. By the early 1970s, the settlement housed over 500 residents, possibly up to 700, with thousands more loosely affiliated.

The UCR ran bakeries, canteens, a printing press, a construction company, barbershops, lodging houses, and a property business. Odumosu insisted his wealth came from these enterprises, not from exploiting his congregation.

The compound itself was part sacred space, part spectacle—buildings bore bold inscriptions like “Prince of Peace” and “Lion of Judah”. Statues of Christ stood beside lions and mermaids spouting water, while even tractors were displayed like holy relics. In the evenings, Jesu Oyingbo sometimes screened open-air films for the community, turning Maryland nights into small festivals.

Power, Discipline, and Allegations

Inside the commune, Odumosu’s authority was absolute. New members were “baptised” not with water, but with nine strokes of a cane he claimed carried spiritual power—rumoured to be linked to his grandfather’s lineage as a famed herbalist. Allegations later emerged of property seizures, forced marital “reassignments,” and sexual impropriety. Some claimed he had more than 30 wives and around 80 children.

Not all of his family accepted his claims. One daughter, Bukola Immanuel, openly rejected his divinity: “He’s my father, but I have only the real Jesus Christ as my saviour.”

Death and Disintegration

In 1988, at the age of 73, Odumosu died in hospital. His followers waited for him to rise on the third day; he did not. Without a will, bitter disputes erupted among wives, children, and disciples. In 1997, a court awarded the Maryland estate to his children, who evicted the remaining faithful. Legal battles continued for years, with as many as 167 people eventually recognised as his children.

Today, the once-bustling New Jerusalem is a fading relic—its statues weathered, slogans peeling, and walls reclaimed by weeds.

Legacy of a Self-Made Messiah

To some, Jesu Oyingbo was a visionary leader who built a self-sufficient community from nothing. To others, he was a manipulative impostor who exploited faith for power and wealth. Either way, his story remains one of Lagos’ most extraordinary tales—a reminder of how belief, charisma, and ambition can collide to create legends that outlive the man himself.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 235
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

Profile: Major General Akomaye Parker Undiandeye, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Intelligence

Published

6 minutes ago

on

October 25, 2025

By

On October 24, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reappointed Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence, reaffirming confidence in his leadership and expertise in strengthening Nigeria’s defence intelligence operations.

Major General Undiandeye first assumed command as the 17th Chief of Defence Intelligence on June 23, 2023, and continues to serve with distinction in the nation’s security architecture.

Born on September 2, 1968, in Bedia, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, Southern Nigeria, General Undiandeye hails from the family of Mr. Sylvanus and Mrs. Maria Undiandeye.

He began his military career at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, and later proceeded to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom, where he completed his cadet training.

Major General Undiandeye has attended several professional military and strategic courses both locally and internationally, including the Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Lagos, and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, for his Junior and Senior Courses.

His quest for advanced military education took him to the National Defence University (NDU), Washington DC, USA, and the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, where he earned a Master’s degree from the University of Ibadan.

Major General Undiandeye also attended the Senior Executives National and International Security Programme at the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Administration, USA, and the International Intelligence Directors Course in Chicksands, United Kingdom.

He holds a B.A. (Hons) in History and a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies. He is an International Counter Terrorism Fellow (ICTF) of the NDU’s College of International Security Affairs, Washington DC.

Throughout his distinguished career spanning over three decades, Major General Undiandeye has held several command, staff, and instructional appointments, contributing significantly to national and global security.

His notable positions include;

Chief of Staff, Headquarters Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps

Director, Lessons Learnt, Army Headquarters Department of Transformation and Innovation

Director, Foreign Liaison, Defence Intelligence Agency

Director, Psychological Warfare, Defence Headquarters

Deputy Commandant, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre

Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji

Internationally, Major General Undiandeye has served as; Deputy Chief Operations Officer, United

Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL); Deputy Chief of Assessments, UN Headquarters, New York; and as a pioneer seconded officer to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), where he contributed to preventing full-scale conflict between South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan.

His professional excellence has earned him several awards and decorations, including;

Grand Service Star (GSS), Defence Meritorious Star (DMS),

Defence Administration Medal (DAM), Field Command Medal (FCM),

Training Support Medal (TSM), and the

United Nations Headquarters Medal (2013).

Major General Undiandeye is a Fellow of the National Defence College (fdc), Fellow of the National

Defense University, Washington DC (fndu), Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Administration (FCAI),

Fellow of the International Institute of Professional Security (FIIPS), and Fellow of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (FNARC).

His vast experience in intelligence, operations, and strategic leadership equips him with a strong foundation to coordinate the nation’s defence intelligence architecture effectively.

Major General Undiandeye is happily married to Mrs Jane Ekor Undiandeye, and their union is blessed with three children. His hobbies include reading, golf, photography, and nature watching.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 4
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Meet Admiral Idi Abbas, Nigeria’s New Chief of Naval Staff

Published

15 minutes ago

on

October 25, 2025

By

On October 24, 2025, the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as the new Chief of Naval Staff, following the retirement of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

A statement from the Nigerian Navy described Rear Admiral Abbas as a seasoned officer who “brings a distinguished record of service and leadership to the Nigerian Navy.”

Early Life and Education

Rear Admiral Idi Abbas was born on September 20, 1969, and hails from Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State in North-West Nigeria

He began his early education at Gwagwarwa Primary School, Kano, and proceeded to the Air Force Military School, Jos, from 1981 to 1986, before gaining admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1987.

Rear Admiral Abbas was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant on September 10, 1993, as a member of NDA 40 Regular Course, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry.

Military Courses and Qualifications

Rear Admiral Abbas is an Above Water Warfare (AWW) specialist who has attended several military courses both in Nigeria and abroad.

His training includes:

Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at NNS QUORRA (1994)

Junior and Senior Staff Courses at Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (2001 and 2005)

Officers’ Long Course (OLC XII) at NNS QUORRA, Apapa Lagos (2003)

United Nations Military Observer Course in Tanzania (2009)

National Defence College (NDC), Abuja, Course 23 (2014)

Appointments Held;

Over the years, Rear Admiral Abbas has served in various key positions across the Nigerian Navy.

He started his career onboard several naval ships as a Watch-Keeping Officer, including NNS ARADU, NNS DAMISA, and NNS AYAM.

He later held positions such as:

Naval Assistant to the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (1998)

Staff Officer III, Marine Services, Naval Headquarters (2004)

Gunnery Officer, NNS OHUE (2006)

Instructor, NNS QUORRA (2007)

Commanding Officer, Burma Battalion, NDA (2008)

Base Administrative Officer, NNS PATHFINDER

Naval Contingent Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation SAFE HAVEN (2010–2012)

Maritime Guard Commander, NIMASA (2015)

Commander Task Group, Operation TSARE-TEKU (2017)

Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command (2022)

In July 2023, Rear Admiral Abbas was appointed Chief of Naval Safety and Standards (CNASS) at Naval

Headquarters, and in February 2024, became Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations (CDCMR) at Defence Headquarters.

Before his elevation as the 25th Chief of Naval Staff, he served as Senior Research Fellow, Nigerian Army Heritage Centre, in January 2025.

Promotions

Rear Admiral Abbas rose through the ranks with dedication and excellence;

Midshipman – 1996

Lieutenant – 2001

Lieutenant Commander – 2006

Commander – 2006

Navy Captain – 2011

Commodore – 2016

Rear Admiral – September 10, 2020

Awards and Honours

His distinguished service has earned him several honours, including;

Passed Staff Course (PSC)

Fellow Defence College (FDC)

Forces Service Star (FSS)

Meritorious Service Star (MSS)

Distinguished Service Star (DSS)

Grand Service Star (GSS)

Defence General Staff Medal (DGSM)

He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS).

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 20
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

All You Need to Know About Nigeria’s New Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede

Published

31 minutes ago

on

October 25, 2025

By

Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede (N/9318) NAM CMH GSS psc mni FCM FCMH TSM COM CCA

1. Family background: General Oluyede was born on 21 June 1968 in Ikere-Ekiti in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

2. Education: He attended Holy Trinity Primary School, Ikere-Ekiti, and proceeded to Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, for his secondary education. Thereafter, he gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 as a member of 39 Regular Course. On completion of his cadet training, he was granted Regular Combatant Commission on 19 December 1992 in the rank of second lieutenant with seniority in the same rank effective 12 September 1987. He is of the Infantry Corps.

3. He became the 29th indigenous Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army, first in acting capacity with effect from 30 October 2024 and substantively, in November 2024.

4. Military career: In the course of his meritorious military career, he has attended several courses both at home and abroad where he distinguished himself creditably. Some of these courses include the Young Officers’Course (Infantry) and Regimental Signal Officers’Course as well as Commanding Officers’ Course, all at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji.

He also attended the United Nations Logistics Officers’ Course at the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Centre, Ghana and the United Nations Military Observers’ Course at the now renamed Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Jaji, among others.

Similarly, he attended the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, for his Junior and Senior Staff Courses, and he is a member of the national institute and a proud alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), where he did his Senior Executive Course. He also attended the Strategic Leadership Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

5. Qualifications: He holds both Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees in Economics from the Nigerian Defence Academy among others. He has also attended and participated in several workshops, seminars and conferences in the course of his career which contributed in preparing him for the highest appointment in the Nigerian Army.

6. Appointments: General Oluyede has served in several formations, units and training institutions where he held command, staff and instructional appointmentswithin his illustrious years of service. Some of these appointments include Platoon Commander and Company Second in Command in 65 Mechanised Battalion and 177 Guards Battalion respectively. He was Platoon Commander and later Officer Commanding in 2 Amphibious Battalion. For his initial instructional experience, he was Instructor and later Senior Instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy.

He held the appointment of Staff Officer Grade 1 in Charge of Personnel and Welfare Services as well as Logistics and Operations at different times while serving at Headquarters Joint Task Force (Operation RESTORE HOPE) and Headquarters 82 Division respectively. He also served as Deputy Director Examinations at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command.

He was Chief of Staff at Headquarters 13 Brigade before attending the Senior Executive Course at NIPSS. He was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff Civil-Military Cooperation at Headquarters 1 Division and later Director at Army Headquarters Department of Army Standard and Evaluation. He was Commandant of Amphibious Training School. He was appointed Commander 27 Task Force Brigade under Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East Theatre from where he was made the Acting Commander Sector 2 in the same theatre.

On his promotion to the rank of Major General, he was appointed substantive Commander Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE. Thereafter, he was posted to Nigerian Army Resource Centre and appointed Senior Research Fellow after which he was moved to Army Headquarters Department of Army Policy and Plans and appointed Director Plans.

After a brief stint at the Army Headquarters, he was appointed the General Officer Commanding 6 Division. He was later posted to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, Directorate of Inspection and Compliance and appointed the Director.

7. International/local operations: The seasoned Infantry General has also participated in a number of operations both home and abroad. His posting profile traverses considerable deployments and participation in several Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations as well as Internal Security Operations across the country.Indeed, his military exploits began as a young platooncommander in 65 Mechanised Battalion from where he moved with the unit to participate in the historic Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

During the ECOMOG operations, he was reported to be full of initiatives and was saddled with the onerous assignment of providing security for the Presidential Lodge, a task he discharged admirably.

He was GOC 6 Division, Officer Commanding in 2 Battalion during the initial militia crisis in Rivers State and also successfully led his company to curb the nefarious activities of the Niger Delta Volunteer Peoples Force,a formidable militant group that threatened the peace and security of Niger Delta region.

8. Awards: He is a recipient of the prestigious Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award in Year 2018,
the Nigerian Army Medal (NAM), Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS) and Grand Service Star (GSS).Others include, Passed Staff Course (psc), Member of the National Institute (mni), Field Command Medal(FCM), Field Command Medal of Honour (FCMH), Training Support Medal (TSM) and General Operations Medal (GOM). He is also a holder of the coveted Corps Medal of Honour (CMH) and prestigious Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award (CCA).

9. Hobbies: Gen. Oluyede enjoys travelling, playing basketball and volleyball. He is married and blessed with children.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 27
Continue Reading

Trending