Elder/Apostle/Prophet Michael Lebile, the Acting Spiritual Head of the Eternal Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (ESOCS) organization stirred the hornets when he stated in a recent interview with Christian Benefits magazine that Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) is not a church. His statement attracted attacks from lots of Seraphs as the C&S faithful are called. In this follow up interview with the magazine, Apostle Lebile clears the air on his controversial statement and comes hard on some members of the Holy Order whom he alleges are responsible for the Cherubim and Seraphim Organization’s loss of her front line position in the comity of church denominations in Nigeria and across the globe. Excerpts
On Cherubim and Seraphim’s position among other church organizations
The Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Band is the first Pentecostal movement in Africa and ought to be at the forefront of preaching the gospel and win souls for the kingdom of God. This is why the band was established by God in the first place. The Bible says in the Book of Prophet Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” It’s very disheartening to see the organization in this unhealthy state. So, it’s like comparing it to what happened in 2 Kings 2:19b, “Behold, I pray thee, the foundation of this city is pleasant, as the Lord seeth: but water is naught and the ground barren.” But the promise of God for the band would come to fulfillment as the last Ark of salvation on earth. No one is ready to learn and be corrected but they forgot that you cannot be Primate/Founder in a calling you don’t know anything about. The Cherubim and Seraphim Band was established to bring the black race closer to God in a way that will soothe God in our character, behaviors and in total submission to His will for us. The Book Haggai 2:3, “Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? Is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing”? But the great prophecy and commission in the book of Haggai 2:9 is ” the glory of the latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts.” If we can go back to the old path as commanded by God in the Book of Jeremiah 6:16 and seek God’s face for deliverance, the glory of this great band will be restored. If the rebels and the self- glorified individuals can humble themselves and work for the glory of God in the band everyone shall benefit and the lost sheep of Israel scattered all over the world will return home and sing in seraphic tune that pleases the Lord.
How Cherubim and Seraphim lost her front line position to other church organizations
The band started losing her front line position in Christian denominations when every leader sees himself as Baba Aladura; a non-existing title in the organization according to our constitution. Some people regard Cherubim and Seraphim as an organization without a leader because the leaders we have represent themselves wherever they go and not the Holy Order. In fact, we are supposed to be the head of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from onset, but who is that competent leader that will not put self first in his line of duty? When the God-chosen leader had no money and does not belong to the group of politicians in garment, he was rejected. The day they refused to honour the Office of the Alagba and Supreme Authority of the organization, was why we couldn’t fit in among other Church denominations in Nigeria. Yet, that does not take away our spiritual pride and identity. The Holy Band was founded on a solid Rock which cannot be shaken.
On the issue of Cherubim and Seraphim fragmentation
The Cherubim and Seraphim Band is one indivisible organization that cannot be fragmented into different groups. The band was registered and incorporated as the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (ESOSC) with a registered certificate No. 316, and with our father, the only Baba Aladura, the Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase as the Sole Founder and Alagba 1. So, whoever sees himself/herself as a different group is not true a Cherub and Seraph but a failure that could not operate under the calling of the organization. The mistake they made is that they forgot that Cherubim and Seraphim is the catchword that the registered body is known for. Those who see themselves as splitter groups should better know themselves as branches of the registered body. Let’s ask them these questions: on whose authority are they operating? Is their Certificate of Operation from the registered body? I heard that the Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase told the remaining members who retained the registered name that if those that fell away, that now referred to themselves as different groups decide to come back as repentant members they should be readmitted to the Holy Band. We have tried severally to let them see themselves the way God sees them and not the way they see themselves because there are lots of work in the vineyard, they refused. We are still expecting them. But those still using the Cherubim and Seraphim name for personal gains should desist from it before Jehovah God visits them in His anger. It’s a pity that many Cherubim and Seraphim Youths have been brainwashed and debarred from coming to Orimolade and also knowing the truth about their source.
His concern about the aged and aging elders of the Holy Order living in abject poverty
Though some of these elders followed the footsteps of those behind the situations we found the Holy Band today, we cannot judge them. But they too should retrace their footsteps for the glory of God in the Holy Band. We have no choice than to act well on our part in seeing to their welfare, then, when they get to the throne of judgment they could face whatever judgment that is meant for them. It is in the pipeline to build homes for them because many of them have no personal home except the ones they live in the vineyard they served. That’s why we are seeking the face of God for help from philanthropists (members and non-members) who could help take care of the welfare of the elders of the Holy Band. Many of their children cannot stand on their own; talk less of taking care of the responsibilities of their aging parents. So far they are ministers serving under the Holy Band and do not belong to any occult society they remain the responsibilities of the Holy Order.
Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi being misled by some selfish people
Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi has put in a lot as her contribution towards the development of the Holy Order but she cannot reposition what God has positioned. She did a lot but few are seen because she did not go through the right channel. She is building individuals and this has cost her a lot of resources. Cherubim and Seraphim have structures. You must know which one comes first. She met the wrong people who are too selfish, who do not want her to succeed in her calling as one of the four women whom God used for the Holy Band from inception. They made her see herself as the saviour. That is why they deceitfully worship her in order to get money and she accepted their worship. She should retrace her steps by seeking the right channel; which is the Office of Alagba and Supreme Authority of the Holy Band to be briefed about the true situations of things in the Holy Order. In all, I commend her efforts so far but not enough is done than should be done.
What should be Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi’s primary focus in the Holy Order
When she gets to the Office of the Alagba and Supreme Authority she will be thoroughly briefed. Education is very paramount in an organization. We have no kindergarten, nursery/primary/secondary schools in the Holy Order now. We only have a university which has been under construction since 2005. She should pray to meet the remaining three women whom God has chosen to make up a team of builders with one common goal. She should not see herself as a primate and founder as some others see themselves today. She should have it at the back of her mind that there is no competition in the Cherubim and Seraphim Band. She should not give chance to people to sing-praise her. It could cost her a lot of distractions. Remember, whatever you do for the development of the Holy Order is for God and humanity because God is the rewarder of all good things.
His challenges as the Acting Spiritual head of the Holy Order
There are lots of challenges from within and outside, but I depend on God who commissioned me to be there and He has never failed and will never fail. I don’t receive tithe or offering from any quarter, yet I have the cause to thank God for His call to the service. Renovation of the Office of the Alagba and Supreme Authority, publishing of some important books that will enhance our relationship with God etc but for lack of finance the projects are hanging. I am not mobile now. If you see me outside, if not because you have known me before you wouldn’t know I am on that position. I see myself as a worker in the project of God that is being taken care of by His grace. So, my real challenge now is to see and lead the Holy Order to the Promised Land, where every member will see him or herself as a stakeholder. They should realize that the little money they contribute to the organization makes them part and parcel of the Order, not ordinary members but co-workers in the vineyard of God.
Cherubim and Seraphim Youths as the future of the Holy Order
Youths are the future of the nation and every good organization. They (Cherubim and Seraphim youths) have vital roles to play in the Holy Order. That’s why we are working on them to take prominent roles that are made for them. We are looking at having them as ministers in charge of branches; that’s after their orientation on the true liturgy of the organization because they still have the energy to serve in God’s holy sanctuary.
Clears the air on his statement that Cherubim and Seraphim in not a church
In my recent media interview with Christian Benefits, I said Cherubim and Seraphim is not a church but a nation. I was abused and insulted by many people. I am happy that some people want to know why I said that. Now, let me explain it this way: The Cherubim and Seraphim Band is the fulfillment of God’s prophecy to mankind. It is a nation of God’s people who were taken out of great tribulations and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. They are the great multitude which no man could number but stood before the throne and the Lamb singing “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb.” We are the descendants of the Israelites in Africa that proclaim the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a band that our Lord Jesus Christ pleaded on her behalf for 40 years and it took Jehovah God another 40 years to be considered to be established on the earth, which was why the late Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase was born. In the Cherubim and Seraphim Band, we have structures and Constitution that guide us as approved by the British Government on 14th February, 1930.We have hierarchy that makes up the cabinet that runs the affairs of the body as a nation as follows:
- Alagba is the Spiritual Leader/President
- Board of Registered Trustees which has specific number of members
- Governing Board has specific number of members
- Council of Prophets
- Council of Ministers
- Ambassadors to all nations
- Special Order of Service
- C&S Anthem and Pledge
Theology cannot define the Cherubim and Seraphim Band except our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Supreme Head of the Holy Band. We have all it takes to be a nation of God’s chosen people as in 1 Peter 2:9. We have a very wonderful liturgy that gives us a true sense of worship to our God. The Cherubim and Seraphim Band is a spiritual movement that the mystery behind its establishment is beyond human wisdom. In our doctrine, you cannot eat on the table of God and as well doing same with the devil. In that case, if any elder dies without renouncing his membership of occult society, the Holy Band will not bury such person. We are unique people of God. We will not condone any strange doctrine in the Holy Order. Most of the events that happened in Israel also happened in the Cherubim and Seraphim organization. As they (the Israelites) had years of silence, so, we also have in Cherubim and Seraphim, etc. We have a rich and unequal history. Our foundation has the approval of God through signs. So we are more than what many think we are. Our heritage is in Christ Jesus.
Cherubim and Seraphim as a member of the OAIC bloc of CAN
The Cherubim and Seraphim Band can never and will never be in the OAIC bloc. The Holy Order became an automatic member of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) in 1930. There is no way anyone could remove us from CCN. OAIC was founded in Cairo and registered in Kenya in 1978. Their main vision was to defend African culture and traditions. It was brought to Nigeria by the late Elder G. I. M. Otubu after he lost his bid to become Baba Aladura Agbaiye, which does not exist in Cherubim and Seraphim. The only support and assistance we sought from CAN is to remove Cherubim and Seraphim from the OAIC. We deserve a bloc in CAN.
His advice to Nigeria’s political leaders as a spiritual leader in the nation
The foundation of Nigeria is very good. I remember when our National Anthem was “Nigeria we hail thee, our own dear native land, though, tribal tongues may differ in brotherhood we stand. Nigeria I am proud to serve our Sovereign Father land”. Then, office holders were dedicated, truthful and trustworthy. But now, when we have all arise to all sorts of dastardly acts not minding whose horse is gored. Both the government and the citizens have a lot to do. Those in power should know that they are there to serve the citizens not to oppress them. Solution to our present predicament is for the government to be truthful and sincere in their dealings. The president should balance his appointments among the six geo-political regions we have. He should make it equal without bias. He should summon all northern leaders and give them a specific time to end the insurgency in their domain.
On Cherubim and Seraphim shepherds going into partisan politics to contest elections
In Cherubim and Seraphim any shepherd going into partisan politics to contest for any political office will drop his position as a shepherd in the Holy Order and concentrate on his political career. Altar and politics are not the same. It’s not a sin for any of our members to go into politics. If they do the organization will support them only if they will be sincere and honest to their promises to the electorate.