CENTENARY WORLD PRESS STATEMENT
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MANIFEST GLORY (1925–2025)
THE CHURCH OF THE LORD (TCL) WORLDWIDE
Spiritual and International Headquarters, Ogere-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
“This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.” — Psalm 118:23.
A CENTURY OF DIVINE FAITHFULNESS
Founded in 1925 at Ogere-Remo through the divine call and vision granted to Prophet-General Josiah Olunowo Ositelu, The Church of the Lord Worldwide was born from a theophany—a direct revelation of God—that changed the course of Africa’s spiritual story.
Out of that encounter emerged a prophetic Church distinguished by purity, prayer, and power. From its humble beginnings in Ogun State, the Church has grown—by divine grace—into a global movement present in over thirty nations across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Its enduring message remains clear and unchanging: to proclaim Christ, manifest His power, and serve humanity through faith, holiness, and love.
THE ALADURA WITH A DIFFERENCE
For one hundred years, The Church of the Lord Worldwide has stood out as The Aladura with a Difference—distinct in doctrine, dynamic in spirit, and disciplined in practice. The Church harmonizes prayer with purpose, revelation with reason, and spirituality with service. Its Six Foundational Tenets remain its eternal pillars:
Biblical in Pattern – Pentecostal in Power – Evangelical in Mission – Ecumenical in Outlook – Prophetic in Ministry – Social in Responsibility.
These divine anchors guide its mission of integrity, intercession, and impact—raising generations of clergy and laity rooted in holiness and wisdom, prayer and progress.
THE HOLY MOUNT TABIEORAR – THEOPHANY ON AFRICAN SOIL
Consecrated in 1937 by divine instruction to the founding Prophet, Mount Tabieorar remains a sacred landmark of spiritual renewal. For nearly nine decades, multitudes have ascended this Holy Mount in white garments, fasting and praying, seeking divine mercy, healing, and empowerment. The annual Tabieorar Convocation is not a ritual—it is a rendezvous with the divine. “They shall call it, the throne of the LORD; and all nations shall be gathered unto it.” — Jeremiah 3:17 Mount Tabieorar stands today as Africa’s living Sinai—a symbol of divine covenant between God and His people and a lasting testimony to the presence of God in African Christianity.
LEADERSHIP THROUGH THE CENTURY
From inception, The Church of the Lord Worldwide has been blessed with visionary and spirit-filled leadership:
1. The Most Rev. General Superintendent Late Prophet Dr. Josiah Olunowo Ositelu (1925–1966) — the Founder and first Primate, through whom God established the covenant of the Church and inaugurated the Holy Mount Tabieorar.
2. His Eminence, The Most Rev. Emmanuel Owoade Adeleke Adejobi (1966–1991) — the second Primate, who strengthened international expansion and doctrinal stability.
3. His Eminence, The Most Rev Dr. Gabriel Olusegun Ositelu 1991 -1998) – the third Primate, who consolidated and expanded the work of the ministry through evangelism
4. His Holiness, The Most Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Olubiyi Ositelu (1998–Present) — the fourth Primate and Supreme Head, under whose leadership the Church has entered a new era of renewal, digital transformation, global reach, and ecumenical prominence.
THE PRIMATE’S VISION AND GLOBAL ROLE
His Holiness, The Most Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Olubiyi Ositelu, Ph.D (Computer Science), Ph.D (Religion), leads with prophetic depth and intellectual excellence. He currently serves also as President of the World Council of Churches (WCC) for Africa, amplifying Africa’s voice in global Christian dialogue.
Under his leadership, TCLAW has embraced a new season of Manifest Glory—marked by digital evangelism, youth empowerment, theological training, interfaith cooperation, and humanitarian engagement.
“And the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” — Isaiah 60:3.
A PROPHETIC MESSAGE TO THE NATION AND THE WORLD
Beloved in Christ, and fellow Nigerians, as we celebrate one hundred years of God’s grace, we lift our voice in prophetic reflection:
1. On National Unity and Peace:
Nigeria must rise above the walls of division and rediscover the bond of love and justice. Ethnicity and religion should never divide a people destined for greatness. Let righteousness exalt this nation, and let peace be her watchword.
2. On Governance and Integrity:
Leadership is a divine trust. We call upon all in authority to govern with transparency, accountability and Godliness. (TAG), compassion, and the fear of God. The nation must embrace integrity, discipline, and service above self if we are to experience lasting transformation.
3. On Youth and the Future:
To the youth, we say—arise! The destiny of this nation lies in your hands. Seek knowledge, uphold moral values, and let your creativity serve God and humanity. Do not be weary; your light shall yet shine.
The Church stands ready to partner with all who seek justice, peace, and unity, declaring that the glory of the latter house shall surpass the former.
LOOKING AHEAD – THE NEXT CENTURY
As The Church of the Lord Worldwide steps into her second century, she reaffirms her divine covenant to:
• Deepen evangelistic outreach in every nation;
• Advance education, healthcare, and humanitarian work;
• Strengthen clergy formation and laity development;
• Empower youth and women as leaders of faith;
• Promote ecumenical dialogue, peace, and unity across denominational and cultural lines.
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” — Habakkuk 2:14
CONCLUSION AND DECLARATION
A century has passed, but the flame of prophecy burns brighter still.
The Church of the Lord (TCL) Worldwide remains steadfast—the Aladura with a Difference—manifesting the glory of God in worship, doctrine, service, and unity.
This Centenary is not the end but a divine beginning—a new dawn of MANIFEST GLORY—for generations to come. To God alone be all glory, honour, and praise for one hundred years of unbroken grace, prophetic witness, and divine excellence.
Amen.
SONG
Thy Church is marching on, thy Church is marching on;
The gates of hell shall not prevail,
Thy Church is marching on.
(repeat twice).
Delivered by:
His Holiness, The Most Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Olubiyi Ositelu, Ph.D (Computer Science), Ph. D (Religion)
Primate and Supreme Head,
The Church of the Lord Worldwide and President of the World Council of Churches (WCC) for Africa.
ADDENDUM – MEDIA HEADLINE SUMMARY
The Church of the Lord (TCL) Worldwide celebrates its Centenary Anniversary under the theme “Manifest Glory,” marking 100 years of Divine Faithfulness since its founding in 1925 by Superintendent General, Prophet Josiah Olunowo Ositelu. In his World Press address, His Holiness, The Most Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Olubiyi Ositelu, declared a new era of “Manifest Glory,” calling believers across the nations to reflect Christ’s light through holiness, unity, love and service. The Primate reaffirmed TCLW’s mission to advance evangelism, education, and humanitarian outreach worldwide, emphasizing that “the glory of the latter house shall surpass the former”, by the grace of God.
