Pastor Gabriel O. Kassim, Chairman of the New York District of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, was appointed Acting Spiritual Father of the church at an extraordinary meeting in Galilee, Oyo State, on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

The appointment, effective immediately, follows the death of Prophet Emmanuel Adewale Abiodun Alogbo, the church’s former Spiritual Father and Chairman, who died in Lagos on July 30 at the age of 93.

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The church’s Board of Trustees announced the decision during its extraordinary meeting at His Grace Vicarage, Galilee, according to a statement signed by Secretary-General Prophet Anthony Olusesan Samaye.

Kassim, who has been serving as chairman of the church’s New York District, will oversee the spiritual leadership of the movement during the transition.

The statement said the appointment was made with immediate effect.

“The Board of Trustees of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, at its Extraordinary Meeting held on Thursday, 20 August 2026, at His Grace Vicarage, Galilee, Oyo State, announced the appointment of Most Senior Special Apostle Pastor Gabriel O. Kassim, Chairman, New York District, as the Acting Spiritual Father of the Church with immediate effect.”

Samaye called on members to give Kassim their support, cooperation and respect as he assumes the role.

He also urged the church to remain united, committed to prayer and focused on preserving its work during the period of transition.

The change in leadership comes just three weeks after Alogbo’s death, which brought an end to a significant period in the history of the church.

Alogbo died at about 2.10am on July 30 at his residence in Ijaiye-Ojokoro, Lagos, surrounded by members of his family and domestic staff, according to the church’s announcement.

The church described his death as a transition to glory and called on members to remain steadfast in their faith.

Alogbo had become the sixth Baba Aladura, or Spiritual Father and Chairman, of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide after the death of Prophet Samuel Abidoye in November 2023. He was formally installed on May 1, 2024.

He later became the fifth Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria in September 2025.

His leadership was marked by the expansion of the church in Nigeria and abroad. He was also associated with the establishment and development of C&S congregations outside the country.

The appointment of Gabriel Kassim therefore represents an important moment for the movement as it seeks continuity following the loss of a long-serving spiritual leader.

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For now, the church has designated Kassim to provide that continuity in an acting capacity, while members are being encouraged to remain united around the faith and the institution.