- Takes Over From Prophet S.K. Abiara
There was a mixed feelings two weeks ago among the Nigerian
Christendom, as the founder of Christian Apostolic Church, Agbala Itura,
Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara, retired as General Evangelist of
Christian Apostolic Church Worldwide.
He retired at the age of 75
according to the laid down rule of CAC, and Prophet Hezekiah Oluboye
Oladeji was immediately named as successor.
Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji is the founder of Christian Apostolic
Church, Canaanland. He’s popularly called ‘Baba Canaanland’ and he’s
known as a dedicated and focus Prophet on his service and dedication to
God. The Edunabon, Osun State born Prophet is one of the highly rated
Prophets today in Nigeria. He was an evangelist at CAC, Canaanland until
his appointment by the Supreme Council, the church’s highest governing
body, which comprises of all principal officers, all Assistant General
Superintendents and other senior officers. He started his ministry
fully in year 2000 and he has now built the Church, Canaanland to an
enviable height; having more than 20 branches across the world. ‘
Baba Canaanland’ has fondly called, believes so much in fasting and
prayers to fight evil battles of the world. His Church at ‘Garage
Olode’, which is one of his biggest churches has become a destination
for destitute, needy, and for those who have one or two challenges.
Two Saturdays back, he spoke with press and said his priority
attention in his new capacity is to restore the church to its days of
glory and as well stamp out indiscipline among pastors and church
members. He also said that, he would use his new office to clear the rot
in the church at home and abroad, stressing that his tenure would
witness the rebirth of evangelism which is the hallmark of the church.
Who is Prophet Hezekiah Oluboye Oladeji?
Prophet Hezekiah Oluboye Oladeji was born into a Baptist family at
Edun-Abon, Ile Ife in Osun state. Though a religious Christian family,
his father also indulged in the traditional religion by way of
performing rituals and the likes; hence the family was not saved.
Prophet Hezekiah developed an ailment in his leg which prevented him
from going to school, therefore he decided to learn a vocation and his
choice was automobile mechanic.
In 1980, his mother died and 4 years later, he left home for Oshogbo;
a day which he incidentally met Jesus. Alighting from the bus at
Oshogbo bus park, he heard some people singing a song which translates
to “Jesus is calling you friend, come, this world is vanity everything
will soon end”. The trail of the source of this song led him to a church
not far off – Christ Apostolic Church, CAC Araromi; a church where his
guardian coincidentally attends. It was at this church he received
healing for his leg at a crusade Prophet Obadare had there.
Alone in church on one night at about 2.00am, God appeared to Prophet
Hezekiah in company of Prophet Ayo Babalola (the founder of Christ
Apostolic Church) and told him they had a mission for him to the church
and also the world. Asked if he would do the work, Prophet Hezekiah said
‘YES’ to the call after which God instructed Prophet Babalola to anoint
him with oil. The oil was physically on his head when he woke up the
next morning and was there for another 5 to 6 days; the oil still come
out of his forehead today anytime he engages in some fervent prayers.
Efforts to enrol in a seminary in 1991 and 1992 failed as God was
nudging him to be taught directly by Him, however he later attended a
seminary, but found it unfulfilling.
Though he had been anointed for ministry work, Prophet Hezekiah
started a transport business while also working as an automobile
mechanic with his partner and friend. However in the bid to bring him
back in line with his calling, God orchestrated an event in which one of
the vehicles Prophet Hezekiah used for the transport business had an
accident at Olode garage where he had come to settle and live. This was
in 1996 and two occupants in the vehicle died and this was also
confirmed by the hospital as Prophet Hezekiah was asked to take the
corpses to the mortuary.
Saddened and weeping because of the event and on the way to the
mortuary, God asked him if he was ready for the assignment and the
prophet Hezekiah succumbed and said ‘I am’. Immediately, God asked him
to go back and lay hands on the corpses and they both came alive after
the touch. This miracle served as the confirmation of the call of God on
the life of Prophet Hezekiah. From that point on, he gave out all the
vehicles he used for the transportation business, became more active in
the ministry and eventually started CAC Canaan Land in 2000.