The death of Prophet (Dr.) Emmanuel Abiodun Adewale Alogbo, the Worldwide Spiritual Leader of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, has drawn tributes from members of the church and the Christian community.
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Here are six key facts about the late cleric:
1. He was born on Easter Sunday in 1933
Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo was born on April 18, 1933, at Inabiri Street, Lagos, to the family of Dickson Adeleye Alogbo and Maria Ojubomo Alogbo. He had his primary education at Ago-Ijaiye Primary School, Ebute Meta, before completing his secondary education at St. Paul’s Secondary School and Oduduwa College, both in Ile-Ife.
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2. He began his career with the Nigerian Railway Corporation
In 1950, he joined the Nigerian Railway Corporation, serving in the Electrical/Refrigeration section of its Engineering Department. His transfer to Zaria in 1955 marked a turning point in his spiritual journey.
3. His church journey began through music
While in Zaria, Alogbo encountered members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church singing one of his compositions. He corrected the choir’s rendition and subsequently joined the church’s choir in 1959. He later became a key figure in the church’s music ministry, introducing the Yoruba talking drum (gangan) into worship.
4. He founded the first C&S Movement Church branch in Southern Nigeria
After returning to Lagos in 1960, Prophet Alogbo established the first Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church branch south of the River Niger at his residence on Cregg Street, Surulere, Lagos. The first service was held on September 29, 1960, with about 10 worshippers, laying the foundation for the church’s expansion across Southern Nigeria.
5. He transformed C&S worship through music
Widely regarded as a pioneer of contemporary worship within the church, Alogbo introduced dance-style church music, beginning with the trumpet before incorporating guitars, organs and other musical instruments. His innovations significantly influenced worship patterns within the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church and beyond.
6. He expanded the church’s global presence
Beyond Nigeria, Prophet Alogbo played a leading role in establishing the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church in the diaspora, particularly in the United States, with branches in Los Angeles, New York and Houston, Texas, as well as in the United Kingdom.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.