4th May, 2024
By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
Renowned gospel artiste Bidemi Olaoba has extended an apology to white garment churches after a video he appeared in sparked controversy across social media platforms.
During an interview with Pastor Leke Adeboye on the TV show ‘Confession Box with PLA,’ Olaoba expressed reluctance to perform in churches where scents and incense are used.
Olaoba, while responding to a question on places he would never perform had earlier said, “There are many places I would not like to perform or minister. Such places have to do with turari and lofinda (meaning incense and scent or perfume). I wouldn’t want to go back to those places.
“And there are some places that when you get there you will know that ‘mo to wo leni’ (meaning I have entered into this already). There was a church we went to where the pastor was saying with boldness,’All you women in the church the day I allowed you to see my laps…laughter’. The church is in this Lagos.”
He clarified that his comments were not specifically aimed at white garment churches but were rather addressing his discomfort with certain practices during prayers and services.
He urged viewers to watch the full video on YouTube to understand the context accurately.
Olaba said, “Whilst I urge you to search, watch, and analyse the full video on YouTube, please allow me to urge you to disregard such insinuation. The body of Christ is one and indissoluble to which I am a proud member.
“I have been commissioned by the author and finisher of my faith to be an instrument of praise that will bring the saint and the sinners to the presence of God for salvation. One Love, God bless you.”
Stating his connections with the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Olaoba focused his respect for the broader Christian community and reaffirmed his commitment to serving as God’s vessel for praise and unity.
“I have a lot of friends that are from the church. Three of my band members are from the Celestial Church of Christ. So, I have nothing against CCC because I believe that the body of Christ is one.
“The church I was referring to when I was asked that question was not even a white garment church in the first place. And I didn’t mention white garments in the video. Please I like you to watch the full video to understand the full context. I was trying to avoid the name of that church and that was why I didn’t want to mention the name.
“That was why I qualified them with those things that I said in the video. So, I want to urge you to please go watch the full video on YouTube. So that you can understand it fully.
“I had ministered at the Lully Concert which happens to be a mega concert of CCC. I have a lot of friends that are from the church. Three of my band members are from the Celestial Church of Christ. So, I have nothing against CCC because I believe that the body of Christ is one as I said earlier.
“So, it’s not only Celestial Church that uses those things that I mentioned in the video. I did not even mention Celestial – that is the funny thing. So I don’t know why you know this narrative is going this way.”
Following the viral spread of his interview, some members of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide reacted strongly, with some calling for Olaoba to be unfollowed on social media platforms.
The post on the page states, “If you belong to any white garments churches, please kindly unfollow Bidemi Olaoba.”
A commenter on the post identified as Itunuoluwa Olaotan, said, “Best decision. You have to choose between him and Celestial. For he has blasphemed and antagonised us.
“Only non-Celestials are against this opinion here. A real Celestial must unfollow him right now! Just to let him realise what he has done.”
Another post by Omobolaji Bibitayo Titus Akins, said,“So no one here knows about the video trending with Adeboye son …. These people think we white garment are not Christians.”
In a post by GbengaLipede, he stated “Thanks for sharing the video. Now we know the origin of the issue and how to tackle it. Am I the only one who doesn’t feel comfortable bringing non-celestial singers to our programmes or harvest? From the onset, I didn’t buy the idea, I preferred promoting the singers who sing our hymns.”