18th June, 2010
The Holy Order of Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Movement Church, Ikotun branch, Lagos, Nigeria, is presently in disarray over the discovery that a senior prophet allegedly impregnated a prophetess who is a married woman.
When the woman gave birth to a baby boy, the senior prophet, who allegedly impregnated her, and the prophetess’ husband are both laying claim to the paternity of the baby. This has caused a serious rift in the church.
As the crisis escalated, a committee was set up and headed by the leader, Rev. (Dr.) John Ogunlana (JP) to investigate the matter. Those involved in the crisis were found guilty and suspended indefinitely from the church.
The prophet, Yomi Akinbode, was alleged to have impregnated Funmi Afolabi and she delivered a baby boy in her husband’s house. The boy was named Daniel over a year ago.
According to sources within the church, the prophet influenced the naming of the boy because the naming was conducted inside the church. The prophet was said to have presided over the naming ceremony.
The church members have been suspicious of Daniel’s paternity since he was born because he resembles the prophet and not Mr. Afolabi, his father, P.M.NEWS gathered.
The secret was blown open when the prophet started laying claim to the boy’s paternity, insisting that he impregnated his mother while she was separated from her husband, though they were later reconciled.
However, Mrs. Afolabi said that she was not impregnated before she returned to her husband and therefore the baby belongs to her husband.
When P.M.NEWS contacted the leader of the church, Rev. Ogunlana, he confirmed the incident and the church’s suspension of the woman and the prophet.
He added that it was left for the parties involved to take legal steps to ascertain the baby’s paternity.
When P.M.NEWS visited the church at 158/162, Igando Road, Bakare bus stop, Ikotun, Lagos, yesterday, members confirmed the incident.
They expressed shock because of the esteemed position the members had held the prophet and prophetess in the church.
“We thought they were righteous but we did not know they were deceiving us,†one of the worshippers said.
—Cyriacus Izuekwe