Pastor John Dada Obafemi, the 5th President of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide turned 110 years on May 20, 2023. Few of his spiritual children and family members were with him and other well wishers to thank God for his impactful years.
The event was held at his Ijaiye Ojokoro residence, featured various sessions of praise, and worship as well as the sharing of the word of God.
In his special message for the day, the preacher, Pastor James Abe also of CAC Babalola Experiment 1930 who congratulated the celebrant on turning a landmark of five scores and ten years however lamented that Baba at 110 years was not happy for a number of reasons.
Pastor Abe who explained that Pastor Obafemi had paid his dues as a man sent to the world by God noted some historic roles the celebrant had played in his 110 years alive.
“Pastor J.D. Obafemi joined Faith Tabernacle, the precursor of Christ Apostolic Church on 18th January, 1939, he joined Nigerian Army on the 10th of January 1943. He left the Nigerian Army where he fought in the Second World War on 31st July, 1946, meaning he was a World War Veteran.
“He entered into discipleship with Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola from January 5, 1949 till 22nd September, 1959 when he was ordained. There was a period of intern when he went on teaching job. He was appointed as the president of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide in 1993.” He served till 1997.
“But it is very unfortunate that a Second World War Veteran, a former president of CAC is living in a rented apartment, and this speaks volume for itself. I pastor Abe feel ashamed, and all our leaders in CAC, present here or not, retired or still in service should please cover their faces in shame for such negligence.
“The high ranking officers of the Nigerian Army should feel ashamed and their Commander in Chief that a World War 2 veteran is living in a rented apartment at 110 years.”
He was quick to add that “though our father is at the closing chapter of his life, something worthwhile needs to be done for such a gallant soldier in the military and also a Christian Soldier, a soldier of the cross.”
He therefore announced that efforts would be made to build a big house that would serve as an orphanage to take in abandoned children and train them until they become useful citizens in Nigeria and the whole world. There is no need of wasting time, as he launched the fund for the orphanage at the gathering with free will offering and donations.
In addition to the above the cleric also noted another area Baba was still unhappy at 110 years.
He revealed again, “About three years ago, Baba called me and told me what the Lord showed him in his dream and I interpreted it to mean that the time of his departure from here draws nigh,” noting that might be Baba’s last birthday he called on all Pastor Obafemi’s spiritual children to “come and get whatever they may need from him before his inevitable home call which is being delayed by the fragmentation of our great church CAC Worldwide.”
He also called on “All Baba’s well-wishers to join him and all his gospel children at home and in diaspora to pray for the unification of CAC Wordwide, so that Pastor J.D. Obafemi could be released from here to go and rest. Time is running against Baba Obafemi, and his greatest wish is for CAC to be united, and his time is running out. Time is against Pastor J.D. Obafemi,” he emphasised.
At the service were some notable anointed men and women of God like Pastor Pearse, Pastor Omotoso, Pastor Ejide Aladejebi, Pastor Emmanuel Bankole, Pastor Bejide, Evangelist Oyebode and a host of others.
Also featuring at the service were sessions of testimonies about the various encounters some of them had with Baba.
Baba was described as a highly disciplined man of God who sticks to time, a man of prayers as well as an old man with sharp memory who could still easily recall the stories and important dates of his early life.
The modest service was rounded off with a thanksgiving session and cutting of the birthday cake when Baba was surrounded by his biological and spiritual children.
The loneliness of the former CAC President might not be unconnected with some misunderstandings he had with the past leaders of the Church, which is believed the current administration could look into.
If you are interested in supporting this cause, Baba has this personal account. 0000265223, Access Bank, Pastor John Dada Obafemi. Pay into it and indicate that what the payment is meant for, (like Baba’s Orphanage Project). God bless you.
Julius Adegunna, a writer, and publisher of good news and reports. He is also a trainer in Writing and Publishing, a Media Consultant and an Entrepreneur. A 1987 Graduate of International Relations of the University of Ife, (Now Obafemi Awolowo University) with Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations, and Master in Communication Studies of Lagos State University. He lives in Lagos, Nigeria.
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