The Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria (C&S) has strongly condemned a disturbing video that recently surfaced on social media, depicting a controversial religious ceremony involving a “tongue-to-tongue” anointing. The video has raised eyebrows for its unsanctioned practices and its apparent misinterpretation of scripture, prompting the church to issue a public statement denouncing it as “horrific” and “despicable” before both God and man.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the church unequivocally distanced itself from the individuals involved in the video, specifically naming Alfred Oluwasegun Okikiola Ogunnusi, a self-styled bishop who refers to himself as “His Eminence Baba Aladura LAHOJAH.” The church categorically rejected Ogunnusi and the makeshift ‘church’ he operates in Adamo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, calling their actions fraudulent and contrary to the true teachings of the C&S Church.
The video in question shows a religious leader performing what has been dubbed a “tongue-to-tongue” anointing ceremony, a practice that is neither endorsed nor recognised by the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria. The footage shows Ogunnusi engaging in this unorthodox ceremony in Ogijo, Ogun State, while another man named Benjamin, also called Ajigbo, is reportedly anointed. The public shock intensified when Ogunnusi invoked the name of St. Moses Orimolade Tunolase, the revered founder of the church, attempting to justify the practice by quoting scripture.
The passage Ogunnusi used, Genesis 48:10, was cited to explain his actions. However, the C&S Church swiftly rejected his interpretation, calling it “flawed and misleading.” The statement made clear that Ogunnusi’s use of the verse was an attempt to misappropriate the Bible to support idolatrous and unauthorised practices.
“We must set the record straight,” the church’s statement read, “We strongly abhor idolatrous practices and reject their satanic and unholy acts in their entirety.”
The church was particularly concerned about the use of its religious symbols, which were prominently featured in the video. One individual in the footage was seen wearing a robe adorned with the official C&S logo. However, the church made it clear that this individual was neither a recognised member of the church nor authorised to wear the emblem.
The Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church has a strict policy regarding the use of its sacred symbols and uniforms. The church emphasised that “wearing a white garment does not automatically make one a member of the C&S Church,” urging the public not to make assumptions based on appearance alone.
In response to the video’s misleading portrayal, the church clarified its position on anointing rituals, reaffirming that members are only anointed with olive oil. Baptism, according to the church’s doctrines, is carried out through immersion in water, and no other practices are endorsed or recognised.
In its statement, the church urged Nigerians and the broader Christian community to reject the video and its contents, calling for a collective condemnation of the incident. The church’s leadership expressed concern that such practices could mislead and confuse believers, leading them away from the authentic teachings of the Christian faith.
“These impostors are attempting to exploit the name of St. Moses Orimolade Tunolase for personal gain,” the statement continued. “But invoking his name does not grant legitimacy or membership in our church.”
This public denunciation highlights the ongoing efforts of the C&S Church to preserve the integrity of its spiritual teachings. The church’s leadership is steadfast in its commitment to upholding the values of its founder, St. Moses Orimolade Tunolase, who established the C&S Church with a clear focus on holiness, prayer, and unity.
The Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, one of the oldest and most respected churches in the country, has been at the forefront of efforts to preserve traditional Christian values. Founded by St. Moses Orimolade Tunolase in the early 20th century, the church has grown to become a significant religious movement, with millions of followers across the nation.
