Followers of General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide and founder of the World Soul Winning Evangelical Ministry, Prophet Timothy Obadare, were still on shock on Friday at the death of the preacher on Thursday night.
Obadare had died in a private hospital in Akure at the age of 85.
Although he was said to have been ill in the last five years, his followers were still dumbfounded when they learnt of his death.
The shock was evident in the sad mien of sympathisers, clergymen, family and friends of the deceased who have been trooping to his residence to condole with Obadare’s family.
The Chairman Christ Apostolic Church WOSEM, Pastor David Oluyi, told Saturday PUNCH in Akure that the late Obadare was a ‘General in God’s Army’.
Oluyi said the deceased never showed any signs of fatigue as he taught all his followers how to work tirelessly.
He said, “The late Obadare worked day and night, he was second to none as I have never seen anyone like him. He lived a good exemplary life of a good leader that could be emulated.
“This is because today, it is not all leaders that are worth emulating. But Baba was accommodating and he taught us well.”
Another follower, Pastor Joseph Olakinbodewa, recalled that they all looked up to the late Obadare because he was a shining example to all members.
Olakinbodewa, who was the last interpreter to the late Obadare, described him as an “apostle of our time, an evangelist to the core.”
Olakinbodewa said, “He (Obadare) was given a special assignment by God. He was a father and a good man of God who was very loving, caring and kind.He was always ready to listen and give advice to you. He was an epitome of good character.
“As a beloved of God, God knows how to deal with His general because Baba was a general, even in Africa and in the whole wide world. At that period in time, he was communing with God. Even when doctors came around to run some tests on Baba, they couldn’t diagnose anything wrong w ith him.”
For now, there is no talk of a successor, as members are still mourning their icon.
Deputy General Envangelist of Christ Apostolic Church worldwide, Pastor David Oyelami, on Friday said the burial arrangement for Obadare would be jointly carried out by both the church and the family of the deceased.
Oyelami also explained that the church would seek the assistance of Ondo and Osun state governments because the late Obadare hailed from Osun State and had his ministry well established in Ondo State.
The former deputy to the deceased, who spoke at a press conference at Obadare’s residence in Akure, said the church was not talking about the successor to the late Obadare now “because the shoe he left was too big for any of his followers to wear.”
He said the church is praying that the death of Obadare would bring together the factions in the CAC and put an end to the crisis in the fold.
“Anything can happen but we have put everything in God’s hand. He is the one that knows and does everything,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday mourned the passage of the evangelist.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President described the late octogenarian’s life as an inspiring lesson in the virtues of faith, hardwork and determination.
Jonathan noted that in the course of his many years of diligent service in the Lord’s vineyard, the renowned evangelist impacted positively on the spiritual lives of many, and gave hope through his acclaimed gifts of prophetic healing.
He described the late cleric as a gifted preacher and religious leader who overcame physical challenges, to carry on the work of evangelism with incredible vigour and enthusiasm.
The statement reads in part, “President Jonathan extends his deep sympathies to members of the Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, the World Soul Winning Evangelical Ministry, as well as friends, followers and family of the late Prophet Obadare.
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