Ukorebi Esien | November 18, 2024
CALABAR — The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS) has refuted allegations of internal crisis and controversies circulating in a viral video ahead of its forthcoming celebration of the founder's birthday. The organization described the video as a calculated attempt by dissatisfied former members to mislead the public.
Addressing our reporter during a fact-check visit to the BCS World Headquarters at 34 Ambo Street, Calabar, Patriarch Osim Ogar, Director General of Event Planning, dismissed the claims as baseless. He stated that the headquarters remains peaceful and calm, with preparations underway for the 2024 Universal Celebration of the Divine Manifestation of His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. The event, themed "The Unshakable King," is scheduled for November 18–24, 2024 in Calabar.
Ogar clarified that the incident shown in the video did not occur at the church's headquarters but at a property owned by BCS in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The property was allegedly invaded in October 2024 by individuals affiliated with a faction called the New Kingdom Ministry. These individuals, according to Ogar, hired hoodlums to disrupt the premises in defiance of a recent court ruling.
"The property in question is a subject of litigation," Ogar explained. "On October 17, 2024, Hon. Justice Joy Unwana of the Akwa Ibom State High Court dismissed the New Kingdom Ministry's application for lack of merit, awarding N100,000 in costs to each respondent. Despite this, these individuals organized an invasion, acting in clear contempt of the court's ruling."
He further emphasized that no true member of BCS would desecrate the sacred image of the leader, a key act shown in the viral video.
The controversy also included claims that Roland Eyo Okon was being positioned as the successor to the current leader, His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu. Okon, whose image was linked to the claim, denied the allegations.
"I am not biologically related to the leader," Okon stated. "I am from Oron in Akwa Ibom State, and my parents are Mr. Eyo Okon Eyo (late) and Mrs. Nkoyo Eyo Okon. I serve as a priest in the church and have no connection to this narrative. I don't even use Facebook, as my account was hacked. This entire story is a fabrication."
Okon attributed the falsehood to the misuse of social media. "People will say or do anything to gain followers online. It's laughable and completely baseless," he added.
A visit to the BCS World Headquarters in Calabar revealed a calm and orderly atmosphere, with preparations for the upcoming event in full swing.
In his concluding remarks, Patriarch Ogar urged the public to disregard the false narratives. "I encourage everyone to focus on the truth and the core mission of BCS, which is to project the Kingdom of God on Earth, promote the Fatherhood of all creations, and strengthen the Brotherhood of mankind," he said.
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