The legacy and influence of St. Moses Orimolade-Tunolase, a renowned spiritual leader from Nigeria, continue to spark debate and reflection within the country and beyond. Recently, the Tunolase family of Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, made a public declaration reaffirming Orimolade’s status as the undisputed sole founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church (C&S), a denomination that has greatly shaped the spiritual landscape of West Africa.
According to the family, St. Moses Orimolade founded the iconic white garment church in 1925—a time when spiritual revival movements were emerging across Nigeria in response to colonial and traditional tensions. The family further stated that he registered the church officially in 1945, laying the foundation for what has now become a global faith community.
Elder George Tunolase, the current head of the Tunolase family, addressed the press in Akure, Ondo State’s capital, on October 7, 2025, offering clarifications in response to recent reports suggesting that Orimolade may have co-founded the C&S church with another figure. Elder Tunolase firmly rejected these claims, emphasizing the historical records and oral traditions that identify Orimolade as the church’s sole founder.
During the press briefing, as covered by The Punch, Elder Tunolase provided additional insight into Orimolade’s background. He revealed that the revered church leader was born into a royal family in Ikare-Akoko—the Owa-Ale royal lineage—which, according to local historians, played a significant part in shaping his spiritual authority and leadership within the community.
The connection to the Owa-Ale royal family has at times been a source of speculation within religious circles. Elder Tunolase clarified key details about this lineage: “St. Moses Orimolade was a direct descendant of the Owa-Ale royal family through his father, who was himself a prince of Ikare-Akoko,” he noted. This heritage, the family claims, further cements Orimolade’s singular role in establishing the C&S movement.
“There is also misinformation that the Cherubim and Seraphim organisation worldwide was jointly founded by St. Moses Orimolade-Tunolase and one other person. That information is incorrect. The founder and sole founder remains St. Moses Orimolade-Tunolase.
“There is a Supreme Court judgment on the matter of who owns the church. The apex court held that the founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim organisation worldwide is St. Moses Orimolade-Tunolase. We still have a copy of the judgment with us.”
Additionally, Elder Tunolase addressed rumours regarding Orimolade’s maternal ancestry. Dispelling claims that his mother also belonged to the Owa-Ale house, he maintained that, while his mother played a supportive role in his early life and mission, the royal bloodline and foundation ties stem from Orimolade’s paternal side.
“The mother of St. Moses was not from the Owa-Ale palace but from the Eleho family in Shakume Quarters, Ikare-Akoko.”
The Cherubim and Seraphim Church, known to many as “the aladura” or white garment church, holds a unique place in Nigeria’s religious space. It is characterized by a strong emphasis on fervent prayer, spiritual healing, and a commitment to purity—a value symbolized by the members’ distinctive white attire. The wearing of white garments is deeply rooted in the church’s teachings, signifying holiness and dedication to God. This visual identity not only sets C&S apart but has influenced other indigenous churches throughout West Africa.
Today, the Cherubim and Seraphim movement boasts millions of adherents in Nigeria, Ghana, West Africa, and diaspora communities worldwide. Its growth mirrors the historical rise of African Independent Churches, which emerged as alternatives to European-dominated denominations during colonial times. According to Lagos-based religious historian Dr. Yetunde Adeniran, “The C&S church and similar movements have provided a space for Africans to express their spirituality, incorporate indigenous practices, and respond to the social realities of their time.”
Moses Orimolade University to Begin Academic Operations
A significant development tied to St. Moses Orimolade’s legacy is the pending launch of Moses Orimolade University in Kwara State. The institution is named in honour of the church’s founder—the latest in a line of religiously affiliated universities that are helping expand Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Rev. Esther Ajayi, founder of Love of Christ Church in Lagos, recently gave updates regarding the university’s progress. At a special centenary anniversary lecture for the church, held in Lagos on September 1, 2025, Rev. Ajayi announced that Moses Orimolade University is approximately 80 percent complete and is scheduled to commence academic activities in 2026. The university’s establishment aims to provide high-quality education rooted in spiritual and moral values, while also creating opportunities for youths across West Africa.
Institutions like Moses Orimolade University reflect a growing trend within Nigeria and the broader West African region, where faith-based universities are seen as catalysts for both social development and spiritual nurturing. According to Kwara-based education consultant, Mr. Adeoye Ibrahim, “Religious universities offer holistic learning environments that strengthen moral character and academic competence. The C&S community’s investment in education is a testament to their enduring vision for Nigeria’s future.”
However, observers have also pointed to challenges facing faith-based higher education, including the need to meet regulatory standards, attract top academic talent, and balance religious mission with academic freedom. Many local leaders, though, remain optimistic about the university’s potential impact.
Why I Attended Cherubim and Seraphim Church
In related news, prominent Nigerian Christian leaders have called attention to broadening unity within the country’s Christian community. Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), reportedly attended the commissioning of Prophetess Esther Ajayi’s Love of Christ Worship Centre—a major C&S event—after declaring that it was a divinely directed visit.
According to media reports, Pastor Adeboye explained that his attendance was based on God’s personal instruction, stating that his presence might serve as an opportunity for someone to experience spiritual transformation or repentance. Such cross-denominational gestures are increasingly common as Nigeria’s faith leaders seek to foster peace, understanding, and cooperation within a religiously diverse society.
The well-attended occasion drew key figures in Nigeria’s political and religious sectors, including Mrs. Folu Adeboye, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Senator Rochas Okorocha, among others. Their presence underlined the significance of the event, reflecting the role that white garment churches and their founders play in the nation’s spiritual and civic life.
Local reactions to these developments have been largely positive, but not without questions about the future direction of the C&S movement and its broader impact. Some analysts note that the reaffirmation of Orimolade’s sole founder status may help prevent splinter disputes and foster greater unity among C&S congregations. Others urge continued dialogue and historical research to ensure all voices and stories within the church’s evolution are fairly considered.
For many Nigerians and Africans in diaspora, the story of St. Moses Orimolade offers lessons in leadership, spiritual resilience, and communal legacy—values more relevant today as faith communities seek to preserve their heritage in a rapidly changing world. As the Cherubim and Seraphim Church marks over a century of existence, its role in shaping personal and collective destinies continues to inspire reflection and conversation at local and global levels.
What do you think about the reaffirmation of St. Moses Orimolade as the sole founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church? How do you see the church’s legacy influencing faith and education in Nigeria and beyond? Drop your comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!
