Anglican Bishop slams Ondo lawmaker over inaccessibility by constituents

The Bishop of the Owo Anglican Diocese, Revd Stephen Fagbemi, has criticised the lawmaker representing the Owo/Ose federal constituency, Timehin Adelegbe, over his inaccessibility to his constituents.

While speaking during a church program at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Imola Owo, headquarters of Owo Local Council Area of Ondo State, the Bishop stated that Adelegbe had become inaccessible to his people since his emergence as a lawmaker.

According to Fagbemi, his constituents complained that he had remained inaccessible despite representing them in the National Assembly.

He said, “You have not been accessible to those who voted for you since you went to Abuja. Your number is no longer available again. Please let your number be available whenever we call you. Your phone is only reachable now that you’re in the church. Please let your number be accessible after you leave this church.”

The cleric, however, lauded the House of Representatives member, representing Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency, Adegboyega Adefarati, saying “I commend you, Honourable Adefarati, for all you have been doing for your people. They are proud of you.”

The bishop, who stated that constituents of Adefarati have good testimony of his performance and accessibility, urged political officeholders to keep to their electoral promises to their constituents.

While describing the cleric’s statement as untrue, Adelegbe said that the bishop was out to tarnish his reputation out of hatred and jealousy.

The lawmaker who spoke through his media aide, Olaniyi Eni-Olotu, said that, “It is on record that Otunba Timehin Adelegbe has been recognised by his constituents as a true representative who genuinely cares for his people, considering his monumental achievements in the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency over the last six years.

“One would have preferred to ignore the statement, but due to the need to set the record straight, especially since it was made by a highly respected clergyman during his church service, it must be addressed.

“One would expect a message of love, truth, and unity from the altar of God, not one borne out of shared hatred and aimed primarily at tarnishing someone’s image without just cause.

“In this year alone, Otunba Timehin Adelegbe spent time with his people during the sixth edition of his mega empowerment program for students, artisans, market women, and various other groups. Many participants went home with tricycles, motorcycles, hair dryers, laptops, cash grants, pumping machines, generators, and deep freezers, among other items.”

“Beyond this, many projects initiated by him have been completed, and he has recently released N300 million to fast-track the completion of all ongoing projects in the constituency.”

“It seems Bishop Fagbemi is unaware that Otunba Dr. Timehin Adelegbe spent over a fortnight with his constituents celebrating the Yuletide season.”