Head of Genesis Parish of the Celestial Church of Christ, Alagbado, Lagos Prophet Israel Ogundipe has celebrated his 47th birthday in prison.
To mark his birthday on Wednesday, March 10, Ogundipe who is serving jail time at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Apapa, Lagos commissioned a chapel at the prison named Liberty Chapel Mercy Land.
Others who joined in commissioning the chapel include Michael Okorie and Pastor David John.
Ogundipe was in November last year jailed for a year by an Ikeja High Court for stealing and unlawful conversion of a woman’s property.
The cleric was charged with seven counts of obtaining by stealing, including delivery of money by false pretence, unlawful conversion of property and forgery. But Justice Olabisi Akinlade found him guilty on two counts.
Despite being in prison, Ogundipe still enjoys the goodwill of many.
The popular preacher got a 2021 Land Cruiser Prado as birthday gift.
A message on the church’s Facebook page said the fact that he was making impact in prison was evidence of God’s anointing on him.
“This is the evidence of God’s anointing, grace and power on his anointed. Winning soul, impacting lives, doing great and mighty things through Christ even in the Prison. What more sign are you looking for? Celebrate a true man of God with a unique grace for Excellence. Happy Birthday Daddy Isreal Oladele Ogundipe. We are very proud of you,” the post read.
According to Lagos-based lawyer Monday Ubani, Ogundipe has assisted about 82 persons incarcerated unjustly at the Kirikiri prison to regain freedom.
Speaking at an event to announce a partnership between his law firm, his foundation and the church, the lawyer said: “Of utmost excitement to me personally and our law firm is the issue of facilitating the release of some of the inmates that have been in detention awaiting trials for good number of years. For instance, the case of one Azeez Ibrahim, who regained his freedom recently at the instance of the prophet.
“The man narrated how he wrongly served 10 years and six months at Kirikiri Correctional Centre for wrong identification. He regained freedom as a result of the intervention of the prophet. The number we gathered who have regained freedom so far through the effort of the prophet and his church has risen to about 82 inmates.”
