Bishop of the Diocese of Ife, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Rt Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade has commended the federal government on steps being taken to curb the excesses of terrorists in the country, adding that a lot is still expected from the government to save innocent and armless Nigerians from the daring group that is spreading its tentacles.

He gave the call at the media parley at Bishop’s Court, Ile-Ife, where he announced the 3rd session of the 12th Synod of the Diocese of Ife scheduled for April 25 and 26, 2026. The two-day event that will end with Thanksgiving Service will be taking place at Cathedral of St. Philip, Aiyetoro, Ile-Ife, Oshun State, Nigeria.

Commenting on the situation in Osun state, the cleric said the state has been peaceful, and the current government has implemented people-oriented projects and programmes which is quite commendable. However, there has been some degree of tension due to the impending governorship elections later this year. There have been political realignments in the state and parties are gearing up for the elections. There is also the tension due to the control of the local governments, further fuelling the unease in the polity.

This government is recognized much, over the beautification of towns in the state. Road construction is on-going in majority of the towns in the state. Dualization of roads and construction of over-head bridges, especially the May-fair Road, Lagere Road, Iremo Road leading to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, all within the jurisdiction of our diocese.

The cleric again appealed to the state government to release for immediate renovation St. Philip Primary School, Ayetoro, Ile-Ife, taken over from the church by the government years back, which has become dilapidated and almost collapsing. According to the cleric, the step will surely bring back the past glory of the school and provide quality education to the children in our community.

“As elections are approaching, we appeal to politicians to play by the rules and eschew violence. Osun state has been peaceful and every effort and everyone must continue to pursue this peace even during elections.

The state should also take security very seriously. The neighbouring state of Kwara is currently grappling with insurgency and Osun state cannot afford to be careless. It is even more worrying that there is a large influx of individuals into the state for illegal mining activities. Some may be criminally minded and may extend their activities beyond mining into criminality.

Therefore, efforts should be made to curb the influx of criminals into the state and where such are found, they should face the full extent of the law to serve as a deterrent to others’ he said.
He added that one body cannot solve the Nigerians problem without using the collective mindset. He was quick to remark that until the political leaders begin to see the nation as being more important than their own personal interests, they will not be able to do anything.

He called on Nigerians to stop patronising these politicians with caps in their hands but rather use their votes to fight for their rights and begin to task the politicians on accountability, adding that when the nation practices true democracy, the nation will be better for it.