Five Dead After ‘Love Feast’ at Celestial Church in Ibadan, Several Hospitalized

 

Five individuals have tragically passed away following a meal served during a 'Love Feast,' also known as Ipese, organized by the Celestial Church of Christ, Apata Iye parish in Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident took place last Sunday at the church premises in Apata, Ido Local Government Area.

Several other worshippers who consumed the meal have been admitted to the Infectious Disease Centre in Olodo, Egbeda Local Government Area, where they are receiving treatment.

A church member, speaking anonymously to Punch, expressed uncertainty about whether the Ipese meal was the cause of the deaths. "I ate the same beans as everyone else, including those who died, and nothing happened to me," the source said. "It’s unclear if the incident is connected to the Ipese meal. Various agencies, including the police, DSS, and even the World Health Organization, have been involved in the investigation, but no official results have been released yet."

An official at the Infectious Disease Centre confirmed that 50 of the affected individuals had been treated and discharged, while others are still undergoing care.

The Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the event and assured the public that investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Prophet Akin Kilanko, the church leader, speaking on a local radio station, dismissed rumors that the incident was related to rituals. He suggested that the deaths were the result of a cholera outbreak, not anything tied to the church’s practices.