Nigerian Concord Newspaper
He never lobbied for any position in the Church. He remained quietly on his path of service until the Church itself approached him to assume the office of Treasurer, appealing to his integrity, discipline, and proven sense of honour to help rebuild and develop the Church’s financial system.
Long before the assignment was given to him, he had already established his spiritual and administrative pedigree at CCC Omo Alade Alafia Parish 1, Lagos, a connection strengthened through the introduction and support of his late wife, Mother Celestial Yinka Olarewaju. At a point in his journey, he also worshipped at CCC Ondo town & CCC Parish 1, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. As a respected pillar in the insurance sector, he possessed a deep understanding of organisational structure, risk management, accountability, and independent financial assessment skills he later brought into Church administration.
Upon assuming office as Treasurer of the Church and member of the registered Board of Trustees, he met a severely weakened financial structure, with only ₦4 million available as Church funds. Without delay, he established a centralised single-account system for monthly returns, with Pastor Rev. EMF Oshoffa, himself, and Superior Evangelist Akintwerea as signatories. This move restored order, transparency, and confidence in Church finances.
He instituted a monitoring team for the anointing exercise, effectively ending certificate racketeering. Monthly returns and anointing proceeds were properly channelled towards the construction of the Imeko Basilica, a project deeply rooted in the divine vision and lifelong dream of Rev. Pastor SBJ Oshoffa and Late Rev. AA Bada. In parallel, he personally committed his own resources to the development of the Church facility at Km 53, Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. To further strengthen accountability, he employed a retired banker as Cashier in the Pastor’s Office, ensuring meticulous record-keeping and financial transparency. He also spearheaded the construction of the current Pastor’s Office at Ketu, Lagos State, and played a decisive role in the relocation of the Pastor’s residence from Ketu to the more secure and serene Magodo Estate, following prolonged unrest.
His concern for welfare was holistic and intentional. He introduced policies that ensured:
Monthly payment of electricity bills for Papa’s House at Ketu
Monthly stipends for Papa’s wives
Financial assistance for the children of the Pastor-Founder
Continuous support for Baba Bada’s household, including utilities and stipends
Beyond administration, he helped the Pastor build personal financial independence by investing the Pastor’s salaries, which grew into millions of naira within a few years. He took responsibility for miscellaneous daily needs and even purchased a brand-new white Lexus Jeep for the Pastor.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he proposed direct financial support to Shepherds by requesting their account details for transparent disbursement. Unfortunately, this noble intention was resisted by entrenched interests. He was falsely accused of withholding funds, with claims that “Pius does not want to give money to Shepherds” a narrative later proven false.
Despite his sacrifices, vision, and unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of Rev. Pastor SBJ Oshoffa and Late Rev. AA Bada, he was eventually painted as an enemy of the same institution he laboured to stabilise.
He also championed the commencement of a proposed University at Imeko, which received approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC). Sadly, the COVID-19 period created room for coordinated attacks, rumours, and internal sabotage. A false narrative alleging the planned removal of the Pastor was weaponised, with one son of the Pastor-Founder unfortunately used to lead the attack against the registered Board of Trustees.
These events culminated in the unilateral dissolution of the registered BOT, forcing the Board to seek legal redress at the Federal High Court, questioning whether any single individual possesses the constitutional authority to dissolve a duly registered Board under Nigerian law.
Elder Pius Olarewaju was a Patron to numerous parishes across the world, a selfless philanthropist, and a man deeply committed to the welfare of the less privileged. Ironically, many who campaigned against him between 2021 and the final days of his life were themselves beneficiaries of his generosity.
History will remember him not by rumours, but by records.
Not by betrayal, but by legacy.
Not by the noise of opposition, but by the structures he built, the lives he touched, and the Church he helped to stabilise.
Rest in honour, Elder Pius Olarewaju.