At 52nd Founder’s Day, Motailatu organisation shakes Ondo

The 52nd Founder’s Day Anniversary of Motailatu Organisation Worldwide has come and gone, but activities marking the epoch-making event still reverberate in Ondo City, Ondo State, where the headquarters of Motailatu Church of God is situated. The three-day event was well attended by members and elders of the church from various parishes. The organisation was founded by His Most Eminence, Archbishop Isaiah M. Akinadewo (Omo Jesu) on June 14, 1964. He died on December 26, 2014.

This year’s anniversary, presided over by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the church, Senior Superintendent Gabriel F. Akinadewo (Omo Jesu II), was unique in many ways. Many spiritual/historical sites were visited starting from Friday, June 10, when the event commenced.

A convoy of vehicles from Ondo City went to Bolorunduro town, a distance of about 15 minutes, to worship at Oke Igbala Olu C&S Church founded in 1936 by the late Saint Benjamin A. Adekahunsi, Chairman, Spiritual Workers’ Union in the defunct Western Region. Archbishop Akinadewo was ordained in this church by his father, Saint Adekahunsi, as ‘the Lion of the tribe of Judah’ in 1976.The parishioners were happy that 80 years after the church was founded and 40 years after the ordination of Archbishop Akinadewo, they visited the premises.

From there, the convoy moved to Mount Ararat in the same vicinity, where Special Apostle David Akinadewo preached on ‘the powerful effect of prayer on the mountain’, as illustrated by the Biblical Prophet Elijah and Jesus Christ. As he was preaching, the heavens sent ‘showers of blessing’ on those in attendance. The convoy immediately moved to the Cathedral of Oke Igbala Olu C&S Church in Sabo area of Ondo City, also founded by Saint Adekahunsi, for a revival. Prayers were later held at Adekahunsi and Holy Mother Emily O. Akinadewo’s tombs.

After returning to the Mission House of Motailatu Church of God on Brigadier Ademulegun Road, special prayers were also held at the tombs of the Patriarch and Matriarch of the church, Archbishop Akinadewo and Superintendent General Apostolic Mother Mary A. Akinadewo. A series of bible lessons were conducted, which dovetailed into a vigil at St. Adekahunsi Motailatu Cathedral, Oke Iwosan, Ondo. Special Apostle Babajide Akinadewo conducted it from 10pm to 6:05 on Saturday morning.

At 2pm, a procession was held round the town and hundreds of residents joined the parishioners. Shouts of ‘Motailatu’, ‘Omo Jesu’ and ‘Baba Oluso’ were heard from the joyous crowd, as the convoy moved through popular streets, such as Oke-Isegun, Lafenwa, Olorunsola, Yaba, Idi-Isin, Surulere, Ope Oluwa, Gani Fawehinmi and Mokola. The choir, supported by trumpeters and drummers, rendered melodious songs. Many old people, who could not join the convoy, prayed for the church’s growth and the Akinadewo children. The thanksgiving service on Sunday was held with Special Recognition Awards given to 56 families in the city.

Senior Superintendent Akinadewo explained that the award was given to the families “to appreciate the support given to our father, when he started the missionary work.” The choristers, in their white garment and blue cape, rendered beautiful songs to mark the 52nd anniversary and annual conference.

In his sermon, Akinadewo, who quoted relevant verses in the Bible, said there was ‘a big stone’ hindering the progress of the country and ‘only God can roll it away’. He urged political and religious leaders to fear God because “according to Psalm 62: 11, power belongeth unto God”.

Some of the families honoured were Adekolurejo (the late Osemawe of Ondoland); Osunwe (the late Akogbe of Ajueland); Akinjagunla (a high chief); Adetowubo and Oshodi (lawyers); Akinnuoye, Adegboyega, Adenekan, Akinwumiju, Akinfe, Ajetunmobi, Adeuga, Akinselure, Hamzat, Fasehun, Adegoke, Akinduro, Fadayomi, Olajide, Osunwe and Fawehinmi. Superintendent James Akinadewo, Special Apostle Victor Adelalure and Special Apostle Abayomi Daramola supervised the award event. The four Head Teachers of Motailatu Primary Schools in the city, founded by Archbishop Akinadewo in the early 80s, were also honoured.