Nigeria will experience peace soon —Prophet Obafemi Akinade

Prophet Obafemi Akinade, son of the late founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Lion of Judah, Prophet Elijah Akinade, in this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, speaks on the challenges encountered by the church and how God has expanded the congregation six years after the demise of his father. Excerpts:

How has it been since you took over your father’s ministry after his demise?

I must be sincere, life generally is not easy. The work he left behind is too heavy for me or for anybody to carry, but as a young man in the vineyard, I called on God to see me through and since then, He has been faithful to me. The ministry has grown in leaps and bounds. When he was alive we only had branches in Nigeria, but now we have branches outside the country, especially in Ethiopia, Kenya, United Kingdom, among other countries.

You claim that the work of your father is too heavy for you. Is this why you and your uncle ‘shared’ the ministry?

We did not share the ministry; it remains one. Even when Baba was alive, he could not be in two places at a time. We have a lot of branches and there must be representatives. We have pastors in all the branches of the church and we are all in one accord.

What is the relationship like between you and your uncle who presides over the Ibadan branch of the church?

We are in one accord, in keeping the legacy alive. Recently, I was in Ibadan to attend the 30th anniversary of the Ibadan branch of the church. We are fine to the glory of God.

Is the Ibadan branch still part of the Lion of Judah under your leadership?

The Lion of Judah is one and every authority is being passed to other branches from the international headquarters in Lagos. Every branch within and outside the country reports and no one is expected to go contrary to the authority of the ministry formed by the founder. Presently, the wife of the general overseer of the ministry, who is my mum, is the president of the ministry, while I am the general evangelist of CAC Lion of Judah Worldwide.

But there are insinuations of division within the church?

It is not a new thing for people to say whatever they like, especially as the founder of the church is late. Misunderstanding is bound to happen, but it is settled and we are fine. My joy is that God is manifesting Himself in all the branches and the ministry as a whole.

Would you say you have been able to sustain  your father’s legacy?

To the glory of God, I would say yes. Before his demise, I was working at Chevron and he called me one day to resign. I asked why and he said God wanted to use me for His work, unknown to me that he was trying to say goodbye. What interested me most was his passion for the ministry. Honestly, it is not easy to step in his shoes outright, but gradually, with the special grace of God, the ministry has been able to stand despite challenges. I am confident that he would be happy with the Lord on the success the ministry has recorded since his demise. I have devoted my life to God and portray the same image and energy like that of my father in doing the will of God. I really miss him, because he sacrificed many things for the development of the ministry, even to the detriment of his home. I doubt the vacuum he left behind can be filled, but we will continue to give our best to uphold his legacy.

Has God revealed any prophecy to you about Nigeria?

I have a revelation that Nigeria will receive peace. I want to urge all Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation, not to relent in praying for peace and unity and to intercede for President Muhammadu Buhari for quick recovery. I am confident that it will be well with Nigeria soon.

What prompted the much-anticipated programme of the church tagged: Rehoboth?

It is a programme founded by the late Prophet Elijah Olufemi Akinade. Before his death, he revealed the vision behind the programme; that it must be held yearly to liberate people and propagate the gospel and power of God. This is the 19th year of the programme. I can authoritatively say that God has indeed proved that He is behind the programme. We are delighted to hold this year’s event themed, Unquenchable Fire.  It will commence today  and run till July 22, 2017, with a special vigil. The progamme is also to intercede for the nation and its leaders. It will feature ministrations by Prophets Sam Ojo, Akin Fashawe, Folorunso Macaulay, Pastor Akinolu Akinade, and Apostle Paul David. My mum, Prophetess A.T. Akinade and I would also minster at the programme. Some gospel ministers such as Taiwo and Kehinde Adegbodu, Segun Daramola otherwise known as Ajidara; Dare Melody, Aduke Gold will lift souls at the programme.