Lifestyle
SAMUEL BILEWU OSHOFFA
Full Name:
Reverend Pastor Prophet Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa
Birth and Early Life
Date of Birth: May 18, 1909
Place of Birth: Porto-Novo, French Dahomey (now Benin Republic)
Parents:
Father: Oshoffa (a carpenter and a devout Methodist Christian of Egba origin from Abeokuta, Nigeria)
Mother: Alake Iyafo, who was from Imeko- afon, Ogun State.
Samuel Bilewu Oshoffa was born into a Christian home and was raised in the Methodist faith. His father, who longed for a male child after many years of waiting, dedicated him to the service of God even before his birth — a promise that would later influence his spiritual destiny.
Education and Early Career
Oshoffa had formal education in French and English, and he initially worked as a carpenter and trader. He lived a quiet and industrious life in Dahomey, known for his honesty and craftsmanship.
The Founding Vision (1947)
The defining moment of Oshoffa’s life occurred on 23 May 1947, after an extraordinary spiritual experience during an eclipse of the sun while he was in the forest near Porto-Novo.
He had gone there to look for ebony wood but reportedly became lost in the wilderness for three months. During that period of isolation, he claimed to have received a divine revelation and spiritual anointing directly from God.
According to his testimony:
He heard a heavenly voice commissioning him to preach repentance and salvation.
He received gifts of healing, prophecy, and spiritual discernment.
He was instructed to found a new church, which would later become the Celestial Church of Christ (Église du Christianisme Céleste).
When he eventually returned to civilization, many were astonished by his survival and the spiritual power that began to manifest in him — including miraculous healings and prophecies.
Establishment of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC)
Date of Founding: September 29, 1947
Place: Porto-Novo, Benin Republic
Oshoffa began preaching, and people from different Christian and traditional backgrounds began to follow him after witnessing healings, visions, and deliverances.
In 1951, the church was officially named “Celestial Church of Christ.”
The church expanded rapidly in Dahomey and neighboring countries, especially Nigeria, where Oshoffa relocated permanently in 1976 after facing religious persecution in Benin.
Growth and Spread in Nigeria
Upon arrival in Nigeria, the church gained thousands of followers almost immediately. The movement resonated with Nigerians because it combined:
Christian teachings,
African spirituality, and
Prophetic worship patterns.
The church emphasized holiness, divine healing, visions, angelic worship, and strict moral codes.
Key milestones:
First Nigerian Parish: Makoko, Lagos (founded by Sup. Evang. Alexander Bada in 1951; recognized by Oshoffa in 1976).
Headquarters in Nigeria: Imeko, Ogun State — now the international headquarters and site of the church’s annual pilgrimage.
Doctrines and Practices Introduced by Oshoffa
Oshoffa received spiritual revelations that shaped the church’s doctrines, such as:
Wearing white garments (Sutana) symbolizing purity.
Worship on Sundays, but also with strong emphasis on spiritual consultation and visions.
Use of holy water, incense, candles, and biblical symbolism in prayer.
Barefoot worship, following the biblical example of Moses on holy ground.
No use of alcohol, tobacco, or charms.
Strong belief in angelic communication, prophetic visions, and miracles.
Leadership Style and Personality
Oshoffa was known as a humble, spiritual, and deeply charismatic leader.
He emphasized love, peace, and purity among members.
He was regarded as a Prophet, Healer, and Teacher, and was often called Papa Oshoffa or Papa CCC.
He lived simply despite the large following he commanded.
Death
Date of Death: September 10, 1985
Place: Lagos, Nigeria
Cause: Injuries sustained in a car accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
Burial: Imeko, Ogun State, Nigeria — now the church’s international holy city.
After his death, leadership succession led to internal divisions within the church, but his spiritual legacy endures across continents.
Legacy
Today, the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) has millions of members worldwide — in Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Oshoffa is revered by members as the divinely chosen founder, and his birthday and the church’s founding day are marked with major celebrations annually.
His vision created one of the most significant African Independent Churches, blending Christian theology with African spirituality and prophetic ministry.
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Summary
Aspect Details
Full Name Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa
Born May 18, 1909 – Porto-Novo, Benin Republic
Died September 10, 1985 – Lagos, Nigeria
Profession Carpenter, Prophet, Founder of CCC
Founded Church September 29, 1947
Headquarters Imeko, Ogun State, Nigeria
Key Traits Visionary, Prophetic, Healer, Charismatic
Legacy Founder of one of Africa’s largest independent Christian churches
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