Onward Christian Soldier: A Memorial Of Prophet Paul Oluremi Okuneye (Deceased), By AKO
Onward Christian Soldier: A Memorial Of Prophet Paul Oluremi Okuneye, is a reflective tribute to the remarkable life, enduring faith, and missionary exploits of the Missionary Prophet. It captures the spiritual journey of a devoted servant, whose life was characterized by unwavering commitment to divine service, the prophetic ministry, evangelistic outreach, and sacrificial leadership across nations.
From humble beginnings, to a pioneer overseas shepherd within the Celestial Church of Christ, Prophet Okuneye exemplified spiritual resilience, discipline, humility, and visionary dedication. His ministry touched lives across continents, strengthened congregations, inspired generations of believers, and contributed significantly to the expansion of the church worldwide.
The title, Onward Christian Soldier, symbolizes his steadfast spiritual warfare, courageous missionary assignments, and relentless advancement in the vineyard of God, despite numerous challenges and transitions. This memorial is not merely a recollection of events, but a celebration of a purposeful life devoted to kingdom service, righteous leadership, and enduring faith in Christ.
These reflections, are in commemoration of the first annual Remembrance of a man of service, and sacrifice, whose footsteps remain deeply imprinted upon the sands of the ministry, his counsel strengthened many, and his devotion to God continues to inspire both present and future generations.
Birth And Early Life (1940–1955)
Born as William Oluremi Kehinde Okuneye, in 1940, to a Christian Ijebu family, of late Pa Samuel Adesanya and Emily Arinola Okuneye, in Lagos, Nigeria.
Experienced Early Spiritual Sensitivity During Childhood
He grew up within a religious and disciplined environment at the Christ Apostolic Church, Ede, Nigeria, under the tutelage of late Prophet Samson Akande, of the Baba Abiye fame.
He demonstrated a quiet prophetic temperament from early years.
According to Global Exploits Of A Missionary Prophet (2020):
He showed a strong prayer inclination and developed interest in scripture reading.
He exhibited compassion for people’s suffering.
These traits later shaped his missionary prophetic ministry.
Youth And Spiritual Formation (1955–1965)
During Adolescence:
He became actively involved in Christian gatherings, where he developed fasting and prayer discipline. He experienced spiritual encounters, and demonstrated leadership among his peers.
During this period:
He received initial spiritual call impressions, as he began ministering informally, and became known for his spiritual insight and efficient prayer life.
Entry Into Celestial Church Of Christ (1967)
His major turning point occurred when he joined the Celestial Church of Christ, a church founded by Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa, in 1947.
There he became a dedicated worshipper, whose life revolved around Prayers and worship.
Emerging Prophetic Ministry
His spiritual gifts began to manifest, through Prayers, Prophetic revelations, and Spiritual counseling.
The Celestial Church expanded globally during this period, including diaspora missions in Europe and the UK.
Early Ministerial Development (1970–1976)
Before travelling abroad, he was an active member of the Celestial Youth Council, at the National Headquarters, Makoko Lagos, where he was recognized for his deep prayer life, Prophetic insight, Spiritual discipline, and Leadership potential.
He served as a part time Missionary Prophet between 1970 and 1976, under Evangelist R.A.Cole of blessed memory. He was always available during his annual leave, to accompany his mentor on the annual Evangelism tours and Church growth initiatives, at the emerging Parishes in the hinterlands, of South West, Nigeria. A selfless and sacrificial service, that prepared him for the eventual overseas missionary assignment.
United Kingdom Missionary Journey (1977–1979)
Departure To The United Kingdom
He was deployed to the United Kingdom with a family of three, in 1977, by the Pastor Founder as the pioneer official Overseas Shepherd, of the Celestial Church Of Christ, charged with the task of Presiding over the diaspora missionary activities.
He ministered to African migrants by activities such as,
House visitation prayers,
Prayer vigils, and Evangelistic outreaches.
Name Change In The United Kingdom
During this period, William Oluremi Kehinde Okuneye changed his name by Prophetic inspiration, to Paul Oluremi Kehinde Okuneye.
This marked a Spiritual transition, Advance Prophetic commissioning, and Missionary identity formation.
According to Celestial Church historical structure, he emerged as Pioneer Overseas Shepherd, who oversaw expansion in the United Kingdom, and Europe.
Later records show that in 1979, another leader, in the person of Evangelist P. H. Ajose, replaced the Pioneer Overseas Shepherd Paul O. Okuneye, confirming his leadership position during that era.
Expansion Of The National Ministry (1980–1995)
During this period, Prophet Okuneye, enjoyed a meteoric rise among the upper echelon of Celestial Church Of Christ leadership.
He was anointed in 1984 and subsequently ordained a Senior Evangelist by Reverend S.B.J.Oshoffa, in July,1985, at Maroko Oriyanrin Parish, Lagos. Between 1979 and 1982, he was elevated to the exalted offices of Assistant Evangelist, and Evangelist, respectively.
He played supervisory roles as Area Evangelist (Aguda- Ikeja and Dopemu Roundabout), and District Evangelist (Maroko and Ikorodu Road), in Lagos, and Igboliki, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. In 1993, he assumed the prestigious role of Delta State Evangelist, a position he held until year 2000 AD.
Mature Ministry Years (1995–2010)
These were his peak ministerial years:
Major activities include:
Supervision of Delta State
International missionary travels
Spiritual mentoring
Church planting support
Prophetic leadership
He was widely respected as a Missionary Prophet, Overseas Pioneer Shepherd, and a disciplined spiritual father.
He continued in the role as Delta State Evangelist through this era, and was redeployed in year 2000, to the International Headquarters, at Ketu, Nigeria.
Thereafter, he proceeded to the Diocese of United States of America, where he served in strategic ministerial leadership supervisory roles, from 2001 -2010, when he was redeployed back to Nigeria.
He mentored spiritual leaders, conducted prophetic outreaches, and other relevant ministerial activities within the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and Nigeria respectively.
He became known for the
Prophetic ministry,
Deliverance prayers,
Spiritual counseling, and
Excellent missionary leadership.
Elder Statesman Of Ministry (2010–2025)
During his later years, he continued his ministry in an advisory role.
He provided spiritual mentorship, maintained a vibrant prayer ministry, supported global Celestial Church activities, and became a respected elder, Missionary pioneer, and Spiritual Patriarch.
Prophet Paul Oluremi Kehinde Okuneye:
Passed unto eternal glory on the 23rd day of April, 2025, at the age of 84 years.
His death was publicly announced by the family and Church leadership, recognizing his decades of missionary service.
The CCC Worldwide Legacy
Prophet Paul Oluremi Kehinde Okuneye is remembered for:
Pioneer Overseas Missionary
Diaspora Church Expansion
Prophetic Ministry
Spiritual Mentorship
His life represents:
Faith
Missionary sacrifice
Prophetic calling, and
Global Christian service.
The Missionary Prophet diligently concluded his journey among mortals, to enable him embrace immortality, according to 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Papa actually fought a good fight, he finished his course, and diligently kept the faith.
Adieu Humble Servant of God.
Remain perpetually in the bossom of the Lord!
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