(Second from Right) Regional Superintendent of CAC Akinyele Region, Pastor S.A. Adedayo and his wife, Mrs. Adedayo, (Second from Left), Superintendent of CAC Christ Family Zone, Pastor I.O. Afolayan and his wife, Mrs. Dorcas Afolayan
By Rachael Oke
As Christ Apostolic Church Oke Isegun Mobolorunduro, Christ Family Zonal Headquarters, marked its 50th anniversary on Sunday, September 7th, 2025, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude to God, joyful reflections, and testimonies of God's faithfulness through five solid decades of ministry.
The celebration, which brought together foundational and current members, as well as past and present ministers, was held at the church auditorium in Ikosi Ketu, Lagos.
One of the foundational ministers of the church who is now retired, Pastor Samuel Sunday Oni, attended the celebration alongside his wife and family.
He expressed gratitude to God for the privilege of witnessing such a joyful milestone.
While recounting an unpleasant event that occurred during the church’s early days — and how God miraculously intervened — Pastor Oni attributed the church's sustenance to God's faithfulness and mighty power.
He commended the current Zonal Superintendent, Pastor Isaiah Olaniyi Afolayan, for his continued commitment and impactful leadership in both the physical and spiritual growth of the church.
In his remarks, Pastor Afolayan, described the anniversary as a remarkable achievement in the church's history.
He expressed his gratitude to God and acknowledged the unwavering support of the church members throughout the years.
One of the high points of the anniversary was the recognition of foundational ministers—some of whom began as evangelists and have since risen to the ranks of pastors and district superintendents, both within and beyond the zone.
A notable one was the testimony of Pastor Joel Ogunsipe, a one-time sexton during the church’s early years, who went on to pursue a theological degree and now serves as a District Superintendent in another DCC within Christ Apostolic Church.
The Regional Superintendent of Akinyele Region, Regional Superintendent, Akinyele Region, Pastor Samuel Adedayo, in his exhortation to the church, urged them to live Christlike lives, worthy of those who have truly accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
Speaking on the topic "The Living Water", and drawing lessons from Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4:1ff, Pastor Adedayo emphasized that those who genuinely accept Christ as Lord and Saviour are those who have received the Living Water.
According to him, the Living Water Jesus referred to in His conversation John chapter 4 is the spiritual life granted to believers who surrender to Him completely.
Referencing John 7:38, he said,
"One way to access this Living Water is to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour and walk in His ways."
"If people are denying or rejecting Jesus because of our lives then, we are yet to be genuinely saved. If you are yet to devote yourself to serving God genuinely and walking in His ways, beyond mere words and confession, then you are not truly saved, " he added.
The anniversary thanksgiving service served as the grand finale of the 50th anniversary celebration, which had earlier commenced with a five-day revival during the week.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Christ Family Zonal Headquarters, popularly referred to as Oke-Segun, is a hub of spiritual energy, congregational commitment, and divine collaboration. Located at the center of Ikosi Ketu, Lagos State, Nigeria, the church has struggled through decades of transformation, leadership change, structural growth, and spiritual revival to become a zonal headquarters that remains a primary stimulant for the moral and spiritual development of its flock, especially teenagers.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND CALL OF GOD
The history of the assembly begins in 1975 when Prophet S.A. Balogun, driven by divine assurance and spiritual burden, began a Christian fellowship following a divinely led discussion with Mr. Diyaolu of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Isala Apata. The first congregation was marked by a thirst for the presence of God, simplicity, and absolute reliance on divine direction. The fellowship began humbly, praying behind makeshift canopies made from palm fronds on the campus of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Aladelola Street, Ketu. These conditions, though challenging, created a tight-knit community, a sense of belonging, and resiliency among the first members. By 1978, the church had conducted its first baptism via Pastor J.D. Obafemi (AGS).
The church, though initially mobile, moving from place to place—Taiwo Street, private compounds, and elsewhere—finally settled into its permanent location in August 1979, thanks to the intervention of God and the generosity of Chief Olukosi.
PERIODS OF GROWTH AND LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS
During the 1980s and 1990s, the church entered a new era of growth characterized by infrastructural development and pastoral renewal. The covering of the church edifice between June and September 1982 was a tangible assurance of stability and performance. With Pastor I.O. Aromibose (AGS) and Evangelist S.B. Anifowose as leaders, the church expanded in size and ministerial organization. On March 5, 1989, the initial elders were instituted, another significant ecclesiastical innovation that complemented continuity and accountability. Pastor Owolabi, Temidayo, and Sunday S. Oni were at the center of congregational strengthening and structural reform. Pastor Sunday S. Oni is especially remembered for his administrative savvy, which resulted in the strengthening of the church compound, construction additions to the auditorium building, and the establishment of administrative bands that enabled youth and teenager participation. Some elders and deaconesses were ordained under his leadership (1994-1996), where the church was steadfast in its inclusive leadership and spiritual mentorship style.
STRATEGIC GROWTH
In the 2000s, the millennium saw a time of modernization and spiritual readjustment in the ministry of Pastor Armo Olatunde (2000-2006). Observing that worship convenience and comfort take center stage, Pastor Olatunde initiated large-scale renovations. Wooden pews were replaced with new ones, the sanctuary was re-roofed with long-lasting materials, and aluminum doors and windows were fitted. He also formed the church's Faith Home, a ministry that placed great emphasis on serving new converts, widows, and teenage girls who required Christian care and guidance.
Pastor Nathaniel Adeyemo Adeparusi (2006-2011) ushered in additional development. His period witnessed the purchase of the church's first mission bus and the construction of a sanitary toilet in Mowe. This church-planting project speaks volumes about the vision of the assembly towards outreach, territorial expansion, and kingdom building.
MODERN ERA: A VISIONARY LEADERSHIP MODEL
The modern era under Pastor Isaiah Olaniyi Afolayan (2012-present) is characterized by structural beauty, spiritual passion, and visionary planning. Pastor I.O. Afolayan broke ground on a multi-million Naira building development that includes a Mission House, new administrative facilities, and a new English assembly. His leadership gave rise to seven notable offshoots:
1. Victory Chapel, founded in 2014 as an English-speaking youth gathering.
2. Fountain of Grace, in Ijere, also began in the same year.
These gatherings capture the church's changing outreach direction towards English-literate, educated, and urbanized Christian youth, such as teenagers and young professionals.
List of Assemblies Created
1. C.A.C Oke Isegun Mowe
2. C.A.C Victory Chapel English Speaking Assembly
3. C.A.C Fountain of Grace, Ijere
4. C.A.C Victory Arena, Giberigbe
5. C.A.C Victory Chapel, Adesan
6. C.A.C Glory of Christ, Ofada
7. C.A.C Oke Isegun, Owode
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