By Biodun Odunuga-Samuel Nigerian Tribune
Sunday, April 27, 2008

CELESTIAL Church of Christ (CCC) worldwide has appointed Supreme Evangelist Israel Anupo Gbangbe as pastor of the Nigeria diocese of the church.

The appointment was announced last Thursday amidst tight security at the Supreme Headquarters, representing Nigeria Olorunsogo Miracle Centre, Rose Garden, Badagry Express road, Ketu Ijanikin, Lagos.

Announcing the appointment, Supreme Evangelist Adeniyi, the Western Zone Evangelist and first deputy, Nigerian Diocese, said the appointment was done on the Supreme directive of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide and in accordance with the constitution of the church and approved by the overall authority of the church.

Evangelist Adeniyi said in 1977, late Pastor founder of CCC, Pastor S. B. J. Oshofa, requested that Supreme Evangelist Israel Anupo Gbangbe be transferred from Republic of Benin to Nigeria for a specific assignment. He then instructed that Reverend Pastor B. D. Agbaosi, then Superior Evangelist, take over from him where he stopped.

In respect of this, Anupo was appointed as Supreme HQ’s representative in Nigeria by Reverend Pastor B. D. Agbaosi.

“Whoever is chosen to succeed as pastor should have his headquarters in the land set aside for the pastor in Port-Novo, Republic of Benin.

“On that injunction we stand and remain loyal to supreme headquarters under Reverend Pastor B. D. Agbaosi who is occupying the seat at Port-Novo, Benin Republic,” he said.

Evangelist Adeniyi said whoever proclaims himself as pastor, aside from Anupo, does so of his own volition.

Speaking with the press after his appointment, Gbangbe said it was time to work together to move the church forward.