The Holy Messiah Church of Cherubim & Seraphim (C&S) Nigeria and Overseas, Arun-Owun Ilu Alabo Headquarters, has strongly condemned the unauthorized installation of a 14-year-old minor as its spiritual leader. In an official press statement read by **Henry Adeyemi** with Silas Ukawa signing , the Church declared that the succession process had been hijacked by unauthorized individuals and reaffirmed that Prince Engineer Silas Oluwadaisi Ukawa remains the legitimate successor.
According to the statement, on September 11, 2024, a group of five individuals—**Austin Utieyin, Godwin Aribo, Roland Meyibo, John Wooden, and Timi Meneporo—secretly installed the young boy at the Arun-Owun Headquarters. The act was carried out in a midnight operation without the knowledge of the Ukawa Ruling House, the Church Council, or the Obinehin Kingdom, which has traditional authority over succession matters.
The Church emphasized that this unlawful installation was in direct violation of a formal directive issued by His Royal Majesty, Oba Kalejaiye Rotimi Williams, Monarch of Obinehin Kingdom**, on **September 16, 2024**. The directive had ordered a suspension of all succession activities until reconciliation efforts were concluded. Despite this, the unauthorized installation proceeded, sparking outrage among church elders and community leaders.
The Church’s leadership further explained that the appointment of **Prince Engineer Silas Ukawa** was made in strict adherence to tradition, Church laws, and ancestral lineage. Silas Ukawa, a descendant of the Church’s founder, Saint Reuben Mewayeone Ukawa was unanimously chosen after extensive consultations with the Ukawa Ruling House, the Church Council, and the community chiefs of the Obinehin Kingdom in Ondo State.
The Holy Messiah Church urged its members and the public to disregard the illegitimate installation of the 14-year-old and to await the official coronation of Prince Silas Ukawa. The Church also reaffirmed its legal standing, citing its re-registered trusteeship under Certificate No. 8280085**, which governs all its national and international branches.
Still on the issue, the statement read that, **His Royal Majesty, Oba Kalejaiye Rotimi Williams**, has denounced the clandestine installation and reaffirmed the sacred duty of the Ukawa lineage in leading the Church. Adding that, Any deviation from this tradition, particularly through underhanded tactics, is unacceptable while reaffirming their commitment to Prince Silas Ukawa and urge all parties to prioritize reconciliation and legality.
The Church also extended formal notifications to the Okpe Community in Sapele, the Fregene family, and the Sapele Local Government Chairman affirming that Prince Engineer Silas Ukawa is the only legitimate King of Zion (Kabiyesi) and Primate of the Holy Messiah Church of C&S Nigeria and Overseas. Plans for his **official installation are underway**, and invitations will be sent out to government officials, media houses, and the general public in due course.
Church officials reassured congregants that the leadership transition will be carried out peacefully and in line with divine principles. They encouraged members to remain steadfast in their faith and support the rightful leadership as they work towards a seamless transition.
The press statement concluded with a call for unity, citing **Isaiah 33:22**: *“For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; He will save us.”* The Church reiterated its commitment to upholding peace and order in the Arun-Owun Zion Community and beyond.
