Motailatu Church of God Celebrates Diamond Jubilee in Grand Style

In a joyous and spirit-filled ceremony, the Motailatu Church of God (MCG) marked its 60th anniversary at its International Headquarters in Ondo City, Ondo State, at the weekend.

The events which climaxed on Sunday, was graced by prominent personalities, including Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, former Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Benson Enikuomehin, traditional leaders, and top ecclesiastical dignitaries.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, congratulated the church members and praised the founder, Saint Isaiah M. Akinadewo (Omo Jesu), for his tireless efforts in spreading God’s word.

He urged Nigerians to pray for peace and harmony, emphasizing its importance for development.

Aiyedatiwa also solicited support from the church for his administration and sought fervent prayers for the success of the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa described the founder of the church, Saint Isaiah M. Akinadewo, The Lion of Judah, (Omo Jesu), as a true man of God, whose impacts in propagating the word of God in the minds of his children and millions of people since he founded the church in 1964 would remain indelible forever.

Aiyedatiwa promised that his administration would continue to do more apparently to better the lots of the people of Ondo State.

He used the occasion to mention several developmental projects and efforts embarked upon since he assumed office in December 2023.

On his part, former NDDC Commissioner, Dr. Benson Enikuomehin called on Nigerian leaders to be patriotic, ensuring the people enjoy democracy’s dividends.

While felicitating with the church, Enikuomehin who is a legal practitioner and politician, promised to donate handsomely for further propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Senior Superintendent Gabriel F. Akinadewo (Omo Jesu II), Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Motailatu Organisation Worldwide, delivered a sermon titled “It is never too late for God Almighty to help,” stressing the need for spiritual warfare, prayers, and right actions from leaders and citizens to overcome Nigeria’s challenges, especially insecurity.

Gabriel Akinadewo, who is also a senior editor in the Nigerian media industry, expressed concern over incessant abductions and killings, faulting the federal government’s handling of insecurity and inflation.

He advised the government to do the right thing, dispense with cases promptly, and punish culprits to stem insecurity.

The cleric, who is the first son of the founder of Motailatu Church, suggested reintroducing subsidies on petroleum products and agriculture implements to address inflation and economic woes.

He urged the president to expand his economic team to include private sector experts.
The Cleric, who quoted several passages from the Holy Bible, stressed the need for Christians to embark on spiritual warfare and prayers, saying “through this, Nigeria will overcome its present challenges, especially the issue of insecurity in some parts of the country”.

Lamenting what he called incessant kidnapping and other insecurity challenges in the country, he urged the people to continue to pray fervently and equally stressed the need for governments – Federal, states and councils -to do the right thing at the right time.

“Government should do the right thing in dealing with bandits who are terrorising the country. We have three (Gs) – God, Government and Gun. God, our Creator, has given the Government the power to deal with evil, using the instrumentality of the machinery of state. As long as you are in this territory, the government has the power to deal with enemies of state,” he stated.

Also, the Cleric advised the judges in law courts to dispense with cases that border on insecurity and wilful destruction of another person’s property and punish the culprits to serve as a deterrent to other suspects.

According to him, “there are some cases in court especially the ones related to herdsmen’s destruction of farmlands, banditry, and terrorism, and have lasted for over five years without any headway. Some of the cases have been forgotten because of the duration,” he stated.

He said, “This is not right for the psyche of an average Nigerian. Once you arrest a terrorist or bandit, the trial should not be more, than two, or three months.”
Speaking on the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Akinadewo went down memory lane when his late father, Isaiah Moyinlorun Akinadewo, founded the church in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State in 1964 and later moved to Ondo town in 1977 “where he officially established the Church in 1981 at Oke- Iwosan, Ondo City which later became the International Headquarters of the Church”.

He also explained that the Church has made tremendous achievements, touching the lives of people in various communities.
Chief Ade Iluyemi, the chairman of the anniversary celebration, fondly described the Motailatu Church of God founded 60 years ago at Ibadan, Oyo State capital as a sacred place where prayers are answered.

The chairman who was accompanied by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Funke Iluyemi (Two-term Commissioner for Education in Ondo State), shared his personal experiences and those of countless others who have found solace and divine intervention within the church’s walls.

As he addressed the congregation, he encouraged Christians to emulate the teachings of the founder and show love for one another, fostering a sense of community and unity.

His heartfelt words resonated deeply with the congregants, inspiring them to continue spreading love, kindness, and compassion.
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Motailatu Organisation Worldwide, Superintendent James K. Akinadewo, took the opportunity to remind the congregation of the remarkable spiritual legacy of the founder’s father, Saint Benjamin Akinadewo Adekahunsi (Baba Oluso).

He shared stories of the elder Akinadewo’s tireless efforts to spread God’s word and his unwavering dedication to the faith.

Superintendent Akinadewo also explained how Omo Jesu, the founder of Motailatu Church of God, received the spiritual mantle from his father, according to divine arrangement.

He revealed that this transition of spiritual leadership was a testament to the divine plan and the continuation of the work started by Saint Benjamin Akinadewo Adekahunsi (Baba Oluso).

The congregants were deeply moved by the reminder of the church’s rich history and the sacrifices made by its founders.

The celebration of the diamond jubilee was a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of Saint Benjamin Akinadewo Adekahunsi and Omo Jesu, and a testament to the power of faith and dedication.

The Diamond Jubilee celebration was filled with joyful music and soulful melodies, led by the renowned gospel musician and son of the founder, Very Rev’d David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi (Aremolekun).

As the temporary leader of the Central Choir during the anniversary, he skillfully directed the choir in renditions of uplifting hymns and spirited songs, creating a truly unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

The congregation was deeply moved by the powerful performances by Aremolekun and the choir, which perfectly complemented the occasion’s festive atmosphere.

Very Rev’d Akinadewo-Adekahunsi’s musical talents and dedication to the church’s legacy were a shining testament to the founder’s enduring impact.

In his appreciation speech, the Minister-in-Charge of the Headquarters, Snr. Apostle General Abayomi Daramola expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and parishioners who turned out in large numbers to celebrate with the church.

The week-long celebration featured revivals, medical outreach, anniversary thanksgiving, donations, prayers and songs ministration by the church choristers from various parishes.

The event was attended by Primates and General Overseers, leaders of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), community leaders, Rev’d Mother Felicia Akinadewo (the founder’s surviving sibling), press men, parish heads, and members from across Nigeria.

The Motailatu Church of God’s diamond jubilee celebration was a resounding success, marked by pomp, pageantry, and a renewed commitment to faith and nation-building.