The Diocese of Lagos held its second Session of the 35th Synod recently. It is the first Synod to be presided over by the newly elected Bishop, Rt. Reverend Ifedola Senasu Okupevi and attended by different dignitaries from within and outside Lagos, including government officials and the immediate past Supervising Bishop of the diocese, The Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji and his wife, Dr. Lydia Odedeji.
The synod witnessed the conferring of awards to deserving personalities including the Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji and his wife, Dr. Lydia Odedeji, a couple that stood in the gap at a most critical point of the diocese.
Odedeji’s visionary leadership and exemplary service earned him “Episcopal Award of Excellence,” which was bestowed on him by the Synod President, Rt. Reverend Ifedola Senasu Okupevi. Aside being the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Odedeji played the supervisory role as Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos for six months until the election and enthronement of the new Bishop. The synod also remembered the role played by the late Archbishop Humphrey Bamiseyi Olumakaiye, who passed on last year.
Born 55 years ago in Eko Ajala in Osun State, Odedeji took up the additional role as Supervisory Bishop of Lagos, in addition to his job of leading the Diocese of Lagos West. He discharged the roles with uncommon doggedness, motivational tenacity, uncommon dexterity, sacrifice, humility and sagacity.
As a rare breed, a highly cerebral James Olusola Odedeji completed his own theological education emerging the overall best-graduating student of 1993 class, winning 16 laurels, receiving awards for excellency and leadership quality prize.
In his younger days as the Chaplain to the late Bishop Peter Awelewa Adebiyi of Lagos West and Curate at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, which later became a Cathedral from 1997 to 2003, he displayed uncommon brilliance, hard work and unwavering commitment to duties, which earned him a preferment as a Canon of the Cathedral in 2003, Archdeacon in 2007 and Dean of AVMCC from July 2010 to October 10, 2010. That position Odedeji held till January 9, 2013 when he was elected as the second Bishop of Diocese of Lagos West.
Demonstrating his commitment to both faith and education, Odedeji obtained his Masters in Religious Studies from Lagos State University (LASU) in 2016 and a Doctoral degree from the same institution in 2014.
Bishop Odedeji is not only known for his religious leadership, but also his academic prowess. He is a distinguished preacher, an accomplished Intercessor and has been guest speaker at various fora both within and outside Nigeria. He has actively participated in the Church Administration and chaired several committees within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
