Oni calls for ban on foreign medical trips in govt corridor, lays bare the dangers of hypocrisy

The Ondo Diocese of the Anglican Communion recently convened a thought-provoking synod at the Our Saviour's Anglican Church in Odigbo, Ondo State between 8th and 11th May, 2025. The event, co-hosted by the Odigbo and Ore archdeaconries, brought together clergy, laity, and other stakeholders to reflect on the insidious nature of hypocrisy in the church and society.

With the theme "The Subtle Decaying Power of Hypocrisy" (Matthew 23: 27-28), the synod provided a platform for in-depth examination of the dangers of hypocrisy. In his charge, the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Adeniran Oni, delivered a comprehensive two-hour exposition, shedding light on the subtle ways hypocrisy can undermine the integrity of the church and its mission.

Bishop Oni's message was both convicting and liberating, urging participants to eschew hypocrisy and embrace authenticity in their Christian walk. He emphasized the need for Christians to live out their faith with integrity, transparency, and honesty, warning that hypocrisy can lead to spiritual decay and undermine the church's witness in the world.

Beyond the theme, the bishop also addressed the state of the nation, Nigeria. He offered insights and prayers for the country's progress, acknowledging the challenges facing the nation while expressing hope for a brighter future. Bishop Oni's words resonated with the participants, many of whom were visibly moved by his passion and conviction.

Oni further berates the way Nigerian leaders travel for foreign medical trips at the detriment of the nation's decaying medical facilities. He therefore called for a ban which can enforce the leaders to give priority to the development of the nation's health sector. "The nation's security is so worrisome", the Bishop also added. He equally noted that hypocrisy does not exempt people in government. " In fact, this menance is even among them as they often deviate from what they claim or campaign with once elected into offices. 

Throughout the synod, participants engaged in lively discussions, sharing insights and experiences on how to overcome the subtle power of hypocrisy during the bible study sessions handled by Bro. Victor Omololu of the Peace House. The event culminated in a renewed commitment to the values of integrity, authenticity, and transparency in Christian living.

The Synod opening charge was spiced by a very inspiring and melodious music on the theme by the diocesan music ministers, coordinated by the Rev. Canon Adeoba. 

As the synod comes to a close, participants are expected to depart with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with the knowledge and motivation to live out their faith with integrity and authenticity. The Ondo Diocese has set a shining example for other dioceses to follow, demonstrating the importance of confronting the subtle decaying power of hypocrisy head-on as declared by the preacher of the opening service, the Rt. Rev. Jacob Bada, on Thursday 8th May. 

The epic of the official opening was the decoration of the diocesan and his wife, as well as Prof. Iluoye Aina as God's Arm Global Foundation (GAGF) ambassadors, a consultative to the United Nations. This was performed by Amb. Dr. Temitope Felix Adetunji in the presence of the esteemed synod delegates, guests, priests, priests' wives and other notable citizens. 

Photo Captions: Members of the Ondo Diocese synod, including The Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Adeniran Oni (in bishopric attire), his amiable consult Mrs. Oyewola Oni, Archbishops- Most. Rev. Prof. Latunji Lasebikan, Most. Rev. Dr. Christopher Omotunde, Most Rev. Gabriel Akinbiyi; all of them greeted the synod and gave their goodwill messages, other bishops- Rt. Rev. Joseph Olusola, Rt. Rev. & Mrs. Oluseyi Pirisola, Hon. Justice Taiwo Taiwo, the diocesan chancellor, who gave the Bishop's charge appraisal and Mr. Ayokunle Akintunde SAN, the deputy chancellor.