LAGOS — The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Worldwide has commenced an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nollywood actress Temitope “Tope” Osoba, amid allegations concerning the role of her fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, in events leading to her death.

Osoba, 40, died on August 5, 2026, weeks after she had publicly celebrated her recovery from breast cancer. She had undergone surgery for the disease in November 2024 and subsequently returned to the entertainment industry. Her death has since generated controversy, with conflicting accounts emerging over the circumstances surrounding her final days.

In a statement issued by the church, the CCC said it was particularly concerned because Onadeko, who has been at the centre of the controversy, is a Shepherd of the church. The church described the allegations surrounding his alleged involvement as “quite embarrassing” and said it would not allow its name to be dragged into the controversy without seeking the truth.

The church stressed that its doctrine does not permit idolatry, black magic, cultism or the use of charms, noting that it operates under established spiritual principles and a constitutional code of conduct. It said it was “discreetly investigating” the circumstances surrounding Osoba’s death and would leave no stone unturned in determining what actually happened.

The development follows claims made by Onadeko in an interview with the Celestial Reality Check, the church’s media investigative unit, that he was informed Osoba died at a police station in Ikorodu, Lagos State. He also disputed some of the claims circulating about her death and her health. However, these remain allegations and have not been independently established.

The CCC has called on the police and other relevant law-enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, assuring the public that it is prepared to cooperate with the authorities. The church said that if allegations against Onadeko are established at the end of the investigations, he would face both internal disciplinary sanctions and the full force of the law.

The controversy has also prompted wider calls for clarity regarding the circumstances of Osoba’s death. Her family has previously cautioned against unauthorised reports and speculation surrounding her passing. Meanwhile, the church said its priority is to ensure that the truth emerges and that justice is served for the late actress and her family.