C&S Iri-Ibukun marks 30 years of prayer, purpose and steadfast faith
The Cherubim & Seraphim Church, Iri-Ibukun (Dew of Blessings), Mosan, Ipaja, Lagos, has celebrated 30 years of ministry, reflecting on a journey defined by prayer, holiness, discipline and an uncompromising
The Cherubim & Seraphim Church, Iri-Ibukun (Dew of Blessings), Mosan, Ipaja, Lagos, has celebrated 30 years of ministry, reflecting on a journey defined by prayer, holiness, discipline and an uncompromising stand against the commercialisation of faith.
Founded on what leaders describe as divine direction and vision, Iri-Ibukun is part of the historic Cherubim & Seraphim Church established by Moses Orimolade, an evangelist renowned for his emphasis on prayer, divine healing and total trust in God. While the C&S movement expanded rapidly from the 1920s and spread globally by the 1940s—later experiencing several splits and controversies—Iri-Ibukun charted a distinct course rooted in doctrinal clarity and spiritual discipline.
Headquartered in Ipaja, Lagos, the church is led by its General Overseer, Dr. (Prophet) Emmanuel Adedeji, described by members as humble and unassuming. He is supported by his wife, Olufunsho Adedeji (fondly called Mummy GO), Apostle Adedapo Kobiti-Lambo and other leaders committed to the church’s founding vision.
From its beginnings as a small prayer group, Iri-Ibukun has grown into an international ministry with branches across Nigeria and in London, New York, Indianapolis, Canada and Sierra Leone. The church also operates a Bible Training School aimed at equipping members with sound doctrine, spiritual discipline and practical ministry skills.
Reflecting on the church’s three-decade journey, Dr. Adedeji attributed its growth and survival to divine faithfulness. “God has been very steadfast with us,” he said. “We thank Him for His steadfastness, particularly in how He has helped the church grow.”
Like many faith-based organisations, the church faced internal and external challenges in its formative years, including limited resources, leadership disagreements and spiritual opposition.
However, the General Overseer said unity, prayer and divine guidance enabled the ministry to overcome its trials.
A defining feature of Iri-Ibukun is its firm rejection of the prosperity gospel. According to Dr. Adedeji, the church focuses on prayer and soul-winning rather than financial gains. Leaders and workers maintain regular jobs and do not depend on church funds for their livelihood. “We give rather than take from the church. We do not collect money to pray for people,” he said.
This approach has earned the church credibility among members and observers alike. Kehinde Ajayi, a member, recounted how he once opposed his wife’s attendance at the church due to scepticism about white-garment ministries. However, after witnessing positive changes in their spiritual life and experiencing what he described as a major financial breakthrough following a seven-day revival, he embraced the ministry.
READ ALSO: Ogun govt disowns alleged Awujale endorsement, halts selection process
The 30th anniversary celebration reflected the church’s holistic approach to faith and community engagement. Activities spanned ten days and included a special vigil with praise drama, medical outreach, mass evangelism, revival services, seminars, indoor games, a prophetic Shiloh service, a photo exhibition, symposium and book launch, culminating in a grand thanksgiving service.
The anniversary theme, ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness, O Lord,’ drawn from Psalm 89, encapsulated the church’s testimony of divine preservation, provision and global expansion over three decades.
Looking ahead, Dr. Adedeji maintained a posture of humility regarding succession, emphasising that the church belongs to God. His vision, he said, is to raise spiritually mature believers while nurturing children and youths as future leaders.
Amid national insecurity and economic challenges, Iri-Ibukun continues to emphasise prayer, repentance, unity and moral renewal, while interceding regularly for Nigeria and its leaders.
As it marks 30 years, the story of Cherubim & Seraphim Church, Iri-Ibukun stands as a testament to disciplined leadership, deliberate faithfulness and steadfast commitment to core Christian values in a complex religious landscape.
