[8 Years Remembrance] Prophet M.O. Salawu: A True Soldier of Christ

Today, eight years ago, the entire globe went into mourning as news of the passing of Prophet M.O. Salawu invaded all ears and made headlines across the media space. It was like an unbelievable dream because no one could have predicted his death at that exact moment. One would have expected such a great man of God, who had defied death on multiple occasions, to leave this earth only through the rapture. However, the unquestionable God demanded Baba Salawu’s retirement from his active service as His soldier on earth after fighting and winning endless battles with the power of the Holy Spirit.

And since his demise on July 18, 2016, much has been said about the outstanding Prophet. In fact, nearly everyone who constituted the mammoth crowd at his funeral had something to say about the noble man of God. While he will continue to be talked about due to his indelible footprints in the sands of time, just like those who came before him, such as Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola and others, Polity Reporters would like to look at how he succeeded and proved himself to be a true Soldier of Christ.

A layman does not need to study government to be enlightened about the value of soldiers and have a firm grasp of their duties, which make them indispensable to every sovereign nation worldwide. He would explain that soldiers are tasked with keeping their nation safe from foreign threats and attacks, while also maintaining national stability, and fulfilling the primary responsibility of government everywhere, which is to protect citizens’ lives and properties.

In the same vein, the layman would vividly describe how soldiers embark on daring rescue missions to ensure captives regain permanent freedom from their oppressors, and how they tirelessly carry out their tasks, propelled by their loyalty to the country and their vow to protect it until death.

These few details, easily recognizable to a layman, form a fitting portrait of Prophet M.O. Salawu, as could be confirmed by reality.

Initially unwilling to accept Christ as his Lord and Saviour, which was natural given his Muslim upbringing, it was not until he experienced a severe illness that nearly took his life that he abandoned his solid stance and turned a new leaf by receiving Christ.

On November 7, 1977, he heeded the clarion call of Christ to kickstart his service as His soldier here on earth. And, in what could be best described as a development synonymous with that of Apostle Paul in the Bible, Prophet M.O. Salawu did not turn back after accepting the call. Instead, he built an unrivaled passion for God’s work and the expansion of His kingdom throughout the world. This presumably gave birth to the “Nigeria Centre for World Mission,” with the motto “as a good Soldier of Jesus Christ,” derived from 2 Timothy 2:3.

Although recognized as a celebrated Prophet, the truth remains that since his calling on November 7, 1977, he actively took on the function of an Apostle, traveling all over the world to proclaim Jesus Christ. He didn’t just proclaim the good news; he also planted churches worldwide to strengthen the faith of converts and believers staggering in faith.

In 1982, he founded the Christ Apostolic Church Revival Centre at Apata in Ibadan, Oyo State, which has since expanded to over 40 branches throughout Nigeria and abroad. In addition to this, he established the Ori-Oke Jesu Wa Sibe in Ilugun and the interdenominational Camp of Fire in Oru, both in Ogun State. Like a devoted soldier, he dedicated his entire life to God’s call to proclaim Jesus to every being on earth and win their souls for Christ. No wonder he often, while singing, place strong emphasis on this: “Baba mi ati Olorun mi, fun mi ni Iranwo Re, kin le roka gbogbo Aiye Ola Oruko Re,” which in English means, “My gracious Master and my God, assist me with the wherewithal to proclaim abroad and to spread through all the earth the honour of Thy name.”

With the church spread out, he, being a true soldier of Jesus Christ, fought spiritual battles to ensure the safety of the lives and properties of all members and his spiritual sons and daughters against external threats and attacks from the evil ones by constantly praying for God’s unfailing protection, that is why he would continually say, “Omo, e ba pe 1 billion, Umbrella abo yen daju,” which translates to, “My dear children, even if you all total 1 billion, the umbrella of protection is sure for you all.”

As a soldier, he also eliminated fear. He buried fear not because those who are fearful will not enter the Kingdom of God, but because Jesus lived in him, which made it impossible for fear to make a progression into his heart. It’s no surprise that when fear and terror overwhelmed anyone, most likely because of what he/she had only dreamt of or heard, Baba Revival would respond with “Omo mi, Oluwa o sobe,” that is, “my son/daughter, the Lord didn’t say so.” And immediately the issue for which one was afraid would evaporate into thin air. He was, indeed, a fearless soldier.

While Jesus spent three and a half years on His official earthly ministry, which was validated by the Holy Spirit following his water baptism by John the Baptist, Prophet M.O. Salawu spent 38 years and eight months fulfilling his true calling that was distinguished by innumerable miracles occasioned by the help of the Holy Spirit. It is public knowledge that he set free those held captive, cured the ill, and surmount insoluble spiritual problems, among other things.

On July 12, 2024, at the Power Night programme, his biological son, Pastor Olufemi Olutayo-Salawu, whom the Lord summoned to carry the ministry forward, disclosed that Prophet M.O. Salawu rejected the idea of resting because he wanted to continue doing what the Lord had entrusted him. However, God said it was enough and retired him to His own pleasant rest. Many, with curiosity, may ask what drove his tireless efforts for God. It is not farfetched; after all, he, like a soldier, promised his all to God, and any soldier who has pledged his all to his country will be untiring in gladly executing every mission entrusted to him by the government till death. This, Baba Salawu did till death—he sacrificially used his life to serve God obediently and unbendingly till he breathed his last and transitioned to the abode of the righteous.

Years may not be enough to accurately account for how he demonstrated total obedience to God. But to put it succinctly, he obeyed God with his whole heart, mind, and soul. Perhaps this prompted God to establish an everlasting and unchanging covenant with him, assuring that He would not abandon the ministry and that the gates of hell would not prevail over it, but it would instead grow stronger and stronger till the end of time.

And truly, for the past eight years since the uncommon Prophet left, the Lord has remained ever loyal to the covenant, as evidenced by the astounding developments—spiritually and physically—that continue to greet the ministry under the purview of Pastor Olufemi Olutayo-Salawu.

Going down memory lane, a statement that rented the air when he died was, “That is the end of the road for anything called CAC Revival Centre.” In fact, there was obvious confusion as to what would happen next with the church. However, the Lord Jesus Christ continues to demonstrate to the entire world that He owns the ministry and will continue to function as the Great Shepherd over it.

Our fervent prayer, on the occasion of the 8th-year remembrance of this true and good Soldier of Jesus Christ, Prophet M.O. Salawu—who eschewed worldly affairs and remained humble till death—is that his soul should continue to rest in everlasting peace, while the church and everything he left behind continue to flourish and prosper. Amen!