By Faith Adama
A heated dispute over a ₦5 million donation has forced the temporary closure of the Celestial Church of Christ, Acts of Apostle Parish, Ketu, Lagos, for 40 days.
Tensions flared during Sunday service when Muyiwa Oluponna, claiming to be the son of the church’s founder, disrupted proceedings, demanding that the donation from the church headquarters be handed over to his family.
The funds were reportedly earmarked for renovations and constructing a clergy house.
Oluponna, in a dramatic move, seized the microphone from Acting Shepherd Adetayo Adetola, insisting the money rightfully belonged to the founder’s family.
He further demanded to be installed as the church shepherd and given the right to deliver sermons monthly.
A viral video of the clash showed Oluponna and congregants locked in a fierce argument, escalating the controversy.
To de-escalate the situation, the church leadership ordered a 40-day shutdown to investigate the matter and restore order.
Shepherd Emmanuel Iperepolu revealed that Oluponna had a history of causing unrest, including issuing threats to members.
Speaking on behalf of the church, Head of Media and Publicity, Kayode Ajala, explained that the closure was a precautionary measure.
“We are committed to resolving this issue amicably,” Ajala said. “The parish will reopen once investigations are concluded, and peace is assured.”
The conflict has sparked wider debates about accountability and leadership within the church community.
