The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) has officially sanctioned Prophet Eze Timothy of the Orisun Iye Parish, Alpha and Omega, in Ogun State. The disciplinary action follows a viral video of a deliverance session conducted for popular Nigerian entertainer and cross-dresser James Brown, which sparked significant public outrage.
The Disciplinary Hearing
During the panel hearing, Prophet Eze Timothy defended his actions, claiming he was unaware of James Brown’s public persona or gender at the time of the service. He explained that his daughter brought the entertainer to the church on February 1, 2025, requesting prayers for a friend.
“I didn’t know his gender, because he was already in garment before entering the church,” the Prophet stated, adding that he only realized the identity of the individual after the video went viral and critics began identifying the cross-dresser online.
The Use of “Minerals” in Prayer
A major point of contention during the hearing was the Prophet’s use of “minerals” (soft drinks) during the prayer session. When questioned by the panel about the spiritual significance of arranging soda bottles in a circle, the Shepherd maintained that he was simply fulfilling a request for prayer and had no ulterior spiritual motives.
The panel questioned the Prophet’s discernment, asking:
- “As a senior prophet and Shepherd, why didn’t you ask the Holy Spirit to know who knelt before you?”
- “What is the use of the minerals?”
- “Why did you arrange them in a circle if this wasn’t spiritual work?”
Financial Denial and Plea for Forgiveness
Prophet Eze Timothy stressed that he did not receive any financial compensation for the deliverance. “I didn’t take a dime from James Brown,” he told the authorities.
Expressing regret for the “mistake” and the subsequent embarrassment caused to the church, the Prophet pleaded for forgiveness from the CCC leadership, the founder, and the general congregation. He promised that such an incident would never happen again under his watch.
Public and Scriptural Backlash
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between traditional religious practices and the visibility of LGBTQ+ figures in Nigeria. Critics argued that the deliverance session violated both scriptural teachings and the established norms of the Celestial Church of Christ, while others questioned the Prophet’s claim of ignorance regarding one of Nigeria’s most recognizable social media personalities.
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Source: Africa Publicity
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