The Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion), last Sunday, organised a service to install Venerable Ebenezer Ajayi Adewole as the sixth Dean of Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral. The installation, which was performed by the Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev Dr. James Olusola Odedeji, assisted by 17 other Bishops from different Dioceses, also witnessed the institution of about 14 Canons. They are Rev Fatoyinbo Samuel Oluwadamisi; Rev Ajayi Abayomi Olusegun; Rev Osundeyi Olu Hezekiah; Rev Nwosu Ndubuisi Patrick; Rev Olorunsaye Timothy Oluwarotimi; Rev Akeredolu Joel Olumide; Rev Ibegbu Chukwudi Emenike;
Others are Rev Akindutire Oluwole Rotimi; Rev Ogwara Ogagaoghene Emmanuel; Rev Kuponu Selome Igbekele; Rev Okere Benjamin Chijioke; Rev Olubodun Kayode Claudius; Rev Akinola Rufus Olaniyi and Rev Akinronbi Akindayo Adio.
Bishop Odedeji praised the new dean’s diligence, saying his appointment was based on his antecedent. “He has the capacity of ensuring that any job given to him is well executed. His antecedent is worthwhile. He is very passionate about God, and has a ministry that can be celebrated anywhere,” he said.
He extolled Ven Adewole’s consistence as a child of God and prayed that the enemy will not pull him down. He reminded him that the higher one goes, the hotter it becomes. “You will not die on the stool, and as the Lord has helped your predecessor including myself, He will also help you,” he said.
Speaking on how to lead God’s people, Odedeji quoted 1 Peter 5:1-4 and said God had appointed leaders from time immemorial to lead His people, either as kings or priests. For any institution or family to thrive, Odedeji said there must be a leader or leaders, whose quality is very important. He admonished the new Dean and Canons to feed the flock of God.
He said: “Every child of God is appointed, and if the appointment is not accidental, it is proverbial. God’s appointment is not because you are the most qualified, or best.
His appointment is not due to eloquence or being able to speak Queen’s English. Positions in the house of God are for honour. It is also a privilege, and nobody attains any level in the church without God’s consent.
“Privileges in the house of God, therefore, should be treated with care and diligence. Leadership has to do with honour. Unfortunately, everybody wants to lead, without understanding the responsibility and readiness to pay the cost. Leadership is extremely costly, demanding and sometimes painfully. The dean’s office is a lot of work and I pray that God will help you.”
He urged them to be accountable to God, men and lead by example in holiness and righteousness, so that God will be happy with them.
