2027: Pursuit Of Power Must Not Cost Human Lives, Osun Clerics Warn Politicians

-As CAC Mountain Of Mercy And Praise, Ori Oke Aanu, Kajola Celebrates 4th Anniversary

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Peace and Mercy, Ijetu Ayepe, Osogbo, Prophet Jorge Oyekale Oluwoye, has cautioned politicians against turning the struggle for political power into a do-or-die affair.

Oluwoye said political office was not worth the bloodshed, destruction and acrimony that often accompanied elections, urging politicians to embrace democratic principles and accept outcomes peacefully.

The cleric spoke during the fourth anniversary and Thanksgiving Service of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Mercy and Praise, Kajola, Owode-Ede, on Sunday.

He specifically charged Christian and Muslim clerics to use their influence to counsel political actors, pray for them and continuously remind them of the need to pursue power within the bounds of peace and morality.

“What we men of God are for is to be preaching to the people and pray for them and we should always teach them the wishes of God, not the teaching of a do-or-die election but the love of God that takes one to the height,” Oluwoye said.

He warned that resorting to violence or force in the pursuit of political ambition could have grave consequences, saying: “If one uses force to achieve height, he may not live long. May God help us.”

On the forthcoming 2027 elections, Oluwoye urged politicians to have faith in the democratic process and refrain from actions capable of causing violence.

“God has destined who will win 2027 election, but I want to urge all hearts that are politicians that we should not engage in do-or-die and accept that what God has destined upon them will come true,” he said.

The cleric also commended the relatively peaceful conduct of the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, saying it offered useful lessons for political actors and their supporters.

According to him, the peaceful election day was particularly significant because of the tension generated by pockets of violence and killings reported in some parts of the state before the election.

“We thank God for the just concluded Osun governorship election that went peacefully because before the election day there were pockets of violence and killings to the extent that there was fear by residents of the state,” he said.

Oluwoye said the eventual result of the election further demonstrated the need for political contestants to accept outcomes rather than resort to confrontation.

He also pointed to the decision by some contenders to congratulate the winner as an encouraging development that should be sustained in future elections.

“You will observe that after the election, his contenders later congratulated the winner,” the cleric said.

He urged religious leaders to increase their efforts in preaching peace and responsible political participation, particularly as the country moves towards another election cycle.

Know God, CAC Pastor Charges Christians

Earlier, Pastor Ajayi Joseph Kayode of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Restoration, Okinni, charged Christians to deepen their relationship with God.

Kayode, who spoke on the theme, “Know the God of Your Father,” said believers could draw strength and victory from knowing and trusting God in all circumstances.

He used the biblical relationship between David and his son, Solomon, to illustrate the importance of knowing God and maintaining a strong spiritual relationship with Him.

According to him, David’s experience with God gave him confidence that the same God who helped him would also help Solomon.

The host pastor, Agbolade Daniel, popularly known as Omo Woli, expressed appreciation to God for sustaining Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Mercy and Praise, Kajola, since its establishment.

Daniel said the ministry had witnessed what he described as numerous testimonies from worshippers and people who had encountered Christ through the church.

He said the church had also recorded testimonies of healing and other spiritual experiences, adding that the ministry remained committed to winning souls and bringing people closer to God.

The cleric further appealed to residents and political actors to avoid violence, particularly during elections.

“We thank God for taking control over the Osun governorship election. I want people to know that it is God that chooses for us, so they should tread carefully,” he said.

“I implore people not to be violent and that we should be prayerful,” Daniel added.