Gilbert Oluwatosin Jesse

Gilbert Oluwatosin Jesse (17 May 1937 – 7 October 2003) was a factional Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) from 30 December 2002 until his death. He succeeded Philip Hunsu Ajose, who had died on 2 March 2001.

Early years

Jesse was born on 17 May 1937 in Mahin, Ilaje – Ese Odo Local Government of Ondo State, Nigeria. He was educated at St Paul's Catholic Primary School, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, then Lagos City College, Yaba, Lagos graduating with his West African School Certificate in 1958. He then obtained a job as Clerical Officer at the Prime Ministers Office, Race Course, Lagos State, and then with the Federal Ministry of Establishment. Jesse retired in 1972 and started work in electronic sales and then vehicle sales. This followed after Emmanuel Oschoffa, senior evangelist and son of the founding pastor S.B.J. Oschoffa was appointed the church's worldwide leader on 25 December 2002 by the board of trustees. The leader of the CCC's Shepherds Council, which had appointed Jesse, stated that this council's decision superseded all other appointments

Jesse died on 7 October 2003 after less than a year in office.