The Bishop of Ibadan South Diocese Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev Akintunde Adedayo Popoola has charged Christian politicians to be Christ-like and always be of good character in the discharge of their political responsibilities.
He gave the charge during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the diocese recently.
In the press briefing held in the premises of the Cathedral Church of St. David’s, Kudeti, on Monday, the Bishop disclosed that the history of Ibadan South Diocese Anglican Communion dates to over 160years ago when Reverend David and Mrs. Hannah Hinderer came to the remote area of Ibadan in company of five other missionaries, with the aims of educating and saving the souls of people in the remote areas.
He stated that the small gathering of inquisitive people has blossomed into over a thousand Anglican Churches across Yorubaland. “The Diocese we are celebrating was carved out of the old Ibadan Diocese Anglican Communion under the then Rt.Rev G I O Olajide(Rtd), and was inaugurated on 13th July 1999 when Rt. Rev Jacob Ajetunmobi (Rtd), was enthroned as the pioneer bishop of Ibadan South Diocese Anglican Communion”.
Bishop Popoola who took over the role of leadership of Ibadan South Diocese Anglican Communion on the 28th June 2018 after the retirement of its pioneer bishop give thanks to God for the achievements of the diocese since its inception.
He noted that the Diocese which started in 1999 with just three archdeaconries namely Kudeti, Mapo and Odo-ona has metamorphosed into 12 arch-deaconries and its cathedral, a reflection that the work of God is moving and it will continue to move forward.
The diocesan also showed concern on the issue ofsecurity in Nigeria. He called on President Muhamadu Buhari and all the security chiefs in the country to stand up and fight against the sporadic growth of insecurity especially the killing and kidnapping of the innocent citizens across the country.
He also called on the Federal Government to find a solution to the killing of Christians in the northern part of the country as well as the release of Leah Sharibu and other Chibok girls yet to be released by their abductors who freed most of the non-Christian girls in their custody.
The soft spoken clergyman also advised the Federal Government against finding grazing grounds for Fulanis at the expense of millions of Nigerians as RUGA cannot be the solution.
Quoting from Psalm 46:7; the bishop charged Christians to continue praying for the peace of Nigeria and the whole of Africa.
Also present at the press briefingwere the diocesan chancellor, Mogaji Abiola Lapade, The Very Rev Akin Alalade-Ayinla, Ven. Babatunde Omikunle, Ven.Bolarinwa, VenJesulowo, VenPopoola, Archdeacon Makinde (Rtd) and Ven Olatinwo.
Packaged by Oludotun Ajibola
