By Bode Akinwumi
The 2nd Session of the 12th Synod of Owo Diocese, Anglican Communion has ended with Prayers and Thanking to the Almighty.
The 2017 Synod of the Diocese was unique in that it marked the 17 calendar years and 18 Episcopacy Years of Bishop James Olandunjoye in the Diocese. And the Chancellor of the Diocese, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has within the last year synod and now become the 6th democratically elected Governor of Ondo State.
The Synod was also full of praises not only because the episcopacy of Rt. Reverend, Dr James Oladunjoye brought development to the Diocese but that the incoming Bishop of the Diocese, Rt Reverend, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi has been consecrated waiting to be enthroned on the Diocese.
In his sermon, Venerable Olatunde Abiodun said the fear of God based on sound knowledge of Jesus Christ and the application of Christ-like values are the needed panacea to the seemly confusions in Nigeria.
He decried fear of the unknown which had always lured those in authority to abuse their privileged positions thereby amassing the resources which should have been used for the wellbeing of the people to their personal use.
The cleric assured that Nigeria would witness restoration and move forward if leaders at all levels shun all forms of sins and join in the fight against corruption.
He prayed for divine wisdom to guide the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi, SAN, against those who would be scheming to damage the character of others for political reasons.
Highlight of the Synod which has as its theme: “Tell My People to move Forward “, Exodus14:15, was the preferment of Canon Benson Ajayi Olanrewaju as Archdeacon. Upon the administration of oath of office on him by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the Diocesan, Bishop Oladunjoye pronounced him an Archdeacon.
The six archdeaconries in the Diocese with the Cathedral and St, Paul’s Church Imoru the host Church, Obas and Chiefs, the Diocesan Officials and the Synod host , Engineer (Chief), Funso Kupolokun praised God with thanksgivings.
To the synod,it was so profound to have the Chancellor of the Diocese as the Governor of the state, a scenario which has never played out in any where in the Anglican Communion. Consequently the church had a special thanksgiving to appreciate God on the election of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The presiding Bishop of the Diocese, whose is retiring after the Synod Rt Reverend, (Dr.) James Oladunjoye also thanked God for a successful tenure in the Diocese.
In his message to the Synod, Governor Akeredolu urged the Church of God to remain united unto His Service and that of His people. He promised to continue to work in the service of God and people of Ondo State.
The Host of the Synod, Engineer, Chief, Funso Kupolokun, used the opportunity to address the synod to describe Governor Akeredolu as a rare political leader who desires the best for his people without any consideration. He assured the people of the state to look forward to a transformation of the state within the next two years.
Dignitaries at the service include Otunba Timilehin Adelegbe, a Commissioner designate in Ondo State; a past Commissioner in Ondo State, MrsTola Awoh ; Prince Lanke Odogiyan, past President of Nigerian Bar Association; past Chairman Ose Local Government, Hon. Bola Adelegbe; past Chairman Forum of Permanent Secretary in Ondo State, Prince Ade Okiki .
Others are: Professor Ademiju Aganga of the Federal University of Oye Ekiti ; Professor Jacob Olupona of Harvard University, USA; Real Admiral William Rotimi Ademoluti,Rtd; Chief Koya Adako ; Miss Gilda Amata and Mr Francis Olagbuji.
