Three pastors from the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Evangelist Oladotun Elusanmi, Shepherd Olumuyiwa Michael, and Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Johnson Olajuwon, tragically died on New Year’s Day 2025. The deaths have left the church in mourning, with leaders urging unity and resisting superstitions surrounding the incident.
The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) is mourning the sudden deaths of three prominent pastors on New Year’s Day, 2025. Evangelist Oladotun Elusanmi, Shepherd Olumuyiwa Michael, and Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Johnson Olajuwon passed away on January 1. Elusanmi was the Shepherd at Orisun Ayo Parish, Ilupeju, while Michael led Christ Testimony Parish in Ikorodu. Olajuwon was the Prophet at the CCC Saint S.B.J. Oshoffa Cathedral in Ketu. Their deaths have shocked the Celestial community, with many expressing their grief on social media.
Kayode Ajala, the church’s media head, confirmed the deaths, describing Olajuwon’s passing as particularly sudden, noting that he had read the second lesson at the New Year’s Eve service just hours before his death. Ajala, however, urged members not to attach superstition to the incident, emphasizing that death is a natural occurrence for everyone. He reassured the families of the deceased that the church would offer support during this difficult time.
The CCC leadership expressed deep sorrow over the loss, praying against sudden death while reminding their congregation that every person has a predetermined time to pass away. Despite the shock, the church urged unity and faith, calling for peace and understanding in the wake of the tragedy.
