Muslim-Muslim Ticket: Where are even the Christians in Nigeria? Archbishop asks

It is no longer news that the ruling party, through his party presidential flag bearer, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has settled for a Muslim-Muslim Ticket with the recent unveiling of Ibrahim Kashim Shettima as his running mate after initially naming Ibrahim Masari as tentative running mate. 

Nevertheless, that one Ibrahim was dropped and another Ibrahim now picked, the fact is that APC has now settled for a muslim VP candidate. It would be recalled that, at the unveiling of Shettima, various men and women, purportedly reported as "Bishop's and pastors" were sighted in funny "spiritual garments". Though, as AGES reliably gathered, CAN has dissociated itself from the so called adventurous bishops, either hired or fake, who just went on a mere political tour.

"Now, on the M-M ticket, are there even christians in Nigeria again? Where are even the Christians?, asked a cleric! These fundamental questions were asked during a sermon delivered by the retired Bishop of Ondo diocese and Arcbishop of Ondo province, the Most Revd. Prof. George Latunji Lasebikan, a renowned Professor of old testament at the Ajayi Crowther University Oyo, at the thanksgiving service of the 1st session of the 14th synod of the Owo Anglican Diocese held on the 24th day of July 2022 at St. Pauls Church Ifon, Ose Local Government area of Ondo State.

Addressing the jubilant congregation, Lasebikan remarked, "beyond filling forms and indicating Christianity in the religious column or space, christians ought to act out what they profess as followers of Christ". In his words, "Christianity is a movement and not a monument"  He charged all members of the Church including the priests to go out and proclaim the gospel of Christ to all nations.

"Christians in Nigeria have failed to take their positions as light of the world, hence the present state where we are!", the Arcbishop lamented. "It is not sufficient to answer christian names alone, but christians must reflect Christ for them to be known as christians indeed, both in politics and elsewhere", added Lasebikan. 

The university Don and an Archbishop did not however pitch his tent with the M-M ticket nor state otherwise, but rather urged christians to wake up to take their rightful positions in Nigeria and in the world and not that when it is now national cake sharing turn that the Christianity nomenclature should be clamoured to be given dominance or recognition in some quarters.

Furthermore, he elaborated on the theme, "Chosen to Proclaim", which he explained in two segments: "Chosen" and "Proclaim" for  clarity  purpose. He stated that for one to be chosen is a planned action with purpose which places individual on a pedestal of quality and importance, and therefore it is imperative for a "Chosen" to go into the world and preach the good news of Christ. He backed his point  with references to John chapter 15:16, "you did not choose me but I chose you that you should go and bear fruits and that your fruits should abide" Therefore, he charged all to be on the move to bear abiding fruits for Christ.

Closing the ceremony, the Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, The Rt. Revd. Dr.  Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, gave accolades to the synod host, Princess Tola Aworh, for a job well done being the first female in the league of synod hosts to host the Diocesan synod single-handedly.

Princess Tola Aworh, married to a renowned Professor, Charles Aworh, is an Ifon-born grassroot politician, two-term commissioner of Ondo State, an Educationist, Philanthropist, and a dynamic Feminist who sees God's work as a profitable business.

The baton of Obed-Edom, which has been the tradition of the Owo Anglican Diocese in the time past, was passed to Chief Rotimi Ibidapo, popularly known as Bassey to host the year 2023 synod at his home Church, the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew Imola Owo. Chief Rotimi Ibidapo, the Atunluse of Owo, Agba Akin of Ijebu Owo, and Mayegun of Iyere land is an Ondo State-born businessman, Philanthropist, and a Christian faithful.

Meritorious awards were given to individuals, churches and archdeaconries who have consistently contributed to the growth and development of the Diocese. 

Earlier, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) was in attendance on the official opening ceremony of the event as ably represented by Mr. Dare Aragbaye, former Ondo State Head of Service. Other notable dignitaries, among others, were  Hon. Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi and his wife Dr Mrs Cecilia Kumuyi, The Rt Revd Godfrey Ekpenisi, the Lord Bishop of Ika Diocese, Bible Study Leader & Preacher at the Opening Service, The Rt Revd Prof. O. O. Obijole, the Diocesan Legal officers ably led by Barr. Olatunbosun Agaun, the Diocesan Officials, royal fathers, Kabiyesi Alayeluwa the Olupele of Ipele, Oba Victor Olusegun Aganun, Kabiyesi Alayeluwa the Olupenmen of Upenmen, Oba Ebenezer Adewunmi Ogunmolasuyi, the regeant of Ifon, and Baba Ijo of St. Paul's Church, Ifon, Rear Admiral Chief W. R. Ademoluti.

The epic of Owo synod  2022 was the preferment of three Clergymen by the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Stephen Fagbemi, to status of Canons in the Diocese, a pronouncement which threw the congregation to joyful uproar. The preferred priest were, the Revd Salako Bankole, Revd. Samuel Folarin and Revd Gabriel Awe.

_Powered and compiled by AGES.

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