Zion Church Inaugurates Ayodele As New Leader

THE Zion Assembly of Christ for All Nations, Ondo State, has appointed the Most Rev. Apostle Samuel Olawumi Ayodele, as its new president.

The appointment process, which began two years ago among 200 independent Zion churches, was climaxed by a weeklong programme, which featured prayer sessions, seminars, counselling and revival services. One unique thing about the event was that it was the first time more than 200 white garment churches of different denominations would unanimously appoint a leader without bickering.

According to a statement, the inauguration programme began in the morning with a procession round the town. The people were resplendent in their white flowing garments, rendering soul-lifting songs to the glory of the Almighty God and the joy of the day.

Events in the church started with short songs with just one scripture reading taken from the book of Romans 12:1-13.

The preacher, Most Rev. Apostle R.O.Falegan, urged the congregation to deepen their love and understanding by their absolute obedience to God’s word. He said that they could only gladden God’s heart by supporting the work of faith through the cooperation they would extend to the new leader. He described Ayodele as a servant leader, who is ready to give ‘his all’ at any given time.

“He was chosen by God, and he will live long. We should behave like children of God and be guided by His precepts. He described the day as the day of fulfilment of prophecies foretold decades ago concerning the new leader.”

Ayodele was later installed by the 12 patriarchs of the church and legal investiture conducted by a lawyer.

The ceremony was witnessed by several dignitaries, including Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who was represented by two commissioners: Chief Olusola Ebiseni and Pastor Olusegun Ayerin. Chief Ebiseni, who described the event as a unique occasion, said he believed in the ability of Apostle Ayodele to take the Zion group to a higher height, while Ayerin urged the group to continue to love God and run from adultery, malice and alcoholism, so that the love of God would grow among them.