The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) has commenced an internal investigation into the death of Nollywood actress Tope Osoba and allegations surrounding her fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko.
Osoba died at the age of 40 on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. She had previously battled breast cancer and underwent surgery in November 2024 before later returning to acting and speaking publicly about her recovery.
Following her death, various claims emerged online about the circumstances surrounding her passing. Some social media reports alleged that emotional distress contributed to her death rather than cancer, while other accusations centred on alleged abuse involving Onadeko and members of his family.
The controversy has drawn the attention of the CCC, particularly because of the alleged connection to one of its prophets. The church said the allegations had placed its name in an embarrassing situation and announced that it was looking into what happened.
The CCC also expressed sympathy to Osoba’s family, relatives and loved ones, describing her death as the loss of a promising life.
The church further denied allegations that idolatry, black magic, cultism or charms form part of its religious practices, stressing that it operates as a Bible-based Christian organisation governed by established spiritual principles and a code of conduct.
It said its investigation was already in progress and that it would work with the police and other relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the actress’ death.
The church also called for a comprehensive investigation and said anyone found culpable would be subjected to both internal disciplinary measures and the full force of the law.
The CCC said:
“We are quite sad that a promising life has been cut short in its prime, and we not only share in the palpable grief of her immediate family, relations, and the loved ones she left behind.”
The church added:
“At this point, we wish to make it clear that the Celestial Church of Christ is a Christian Bible-believing religious church. Our worship is divinely inspired. There is absolutely no room for idolatry, black magic, cultism, and the use of charms in our church. Indeed, the Celestial Church of Christ operates under very strict spiritual tenets and a code of conduct clearly outlined in the church’s constitution.”
On the allegations involving Onadeko, it stated:
“The murky allegations surrounding the involvement of Prophet Itunu Onadeko are, to say the least, quite embarrassing to the Celestial Church of Christ.”
The church further disclosed:
“As a church, we are already discreetly investigating the circumstances that led to the death.”
It concluded:
“If the allegations against Prophet Itunu Onadeko of the Celestial Church of Christ are found to be true at the end of ongoing investigations, he would not only be made to face the internal sanctions of the church, but he would also be made to face the full length of the law.”
