Ex-Ecobank chairman, Odeyemi, bags church title

Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Ayegbaju, Ile-Ife was filled to the brim last weekend when Chief (Dr.) John Agboola Odeyemi (MFR), was installed as Otun Baba Ijo of the church.

Dignitaries from all walks of life attended the installation of Chief Odeyemi who is also the Obasewa of Ile-Ife and former Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria Limited.

Friends and visitors thronged the church premises to celebrate the occasion with Chief Odeyemi who is a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Others people installed along with Odeyemi into various church positions include Chief Adetola Ogunleye who was installed as Baba Ijo, Chief Benjamin Olagbaju Omirefa installed as Asiwaju Ijo, Prince Williams Adebayo Adesanmi was installed as Balogun Ijo, Chief Afolabi Abiodun Ajomale is now Otun Balogun Ijo, Princess Awujoola installed as Iya Ijo among others.

The new chiefs are to oversee the affairs of the church, its growth and development.

Chief John Agboola Odeyemi, fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Chairman/Chief Executive JKN Limited and JAO Investment Company Limited was full of praise as he was being installed as Otun Baba Ijo.

Among the dignitaries that attended the church for the installation are former Chief of Army Staff, Chief Alani Akinrinade, Former Minister of Water Resources, Chief Bashir Awoterebo, Professor Eyitope Ogunmodede, Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Yemi Akinyemiju also from the university, traditional rulers, traditional chiefs, business tycoon and personalities among others.

In his sermon shortly after the investiture, the Bishop of the Church, Right Reverend Olubunmi Akinlade, said that the appointment of the new chiefs is not against the doctrine of Christianity saying that the appointment was call to serve the Creator.

He harped on the importance of a good name, urging people to maintain good names, saying it is important to eschew anything capable of tarnishing their names.

According to him, you use a good name to acquire great riches because great riches will follow after a good name.

He also charged leaders on the need to lead the people with the fear of God in order to make the country great and peaceful place to live.

Akinlade who urged the political class to fear God in their dealings said they should always seek God’s guidance in their bid to govern the country, state as well as their immediate environment.

Quoting copiously from the Holy Bible of Psalms 119vs 1-12, Rev Akinlade also stressed the need for all and sundry to embrace and choose Holy Spirit as their guardian.

Bishop, who noted that with the Holy Spirit one would achieve greatness and goodness, said failure of those in the positions of authorities to be guided by the Holy Spirit and their followers to live in righteousness and embrace Holy Spirit was responsible for the myriad of problems our nation is contending with.

Responding, on behalf of the new chiefs, Chief Odeyemi appreciated the church authority for giving them the opportunity to serve their Creator, assuring that they would use their wealth of experience and connections for the development of the church and God’s work.

He said that their appointment is a call for service adding that serving God is the best thing that man should always strive for in life.

Chief Odeyemi maintained that their appointment would further engender evangelism and propagation of God’s works in his vineyard.

He solicited for the cooperation of entire members of the church so that God’s works can move forward unhindered.

Chief John Agboola is a devout Christian and regular contributor to the promotion of evangelism. He remains active at his family church, St. Paul Anglican Church, Ayegbaju, Ile-Ife and has constructed and donated chapel of St. John the Evangelist, the Vicarage and Children’s Amenity Hall to the Diocese of Ife.