Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) consecrates three Bishops, presents two Archbishops

Today, July 24, 2016, the Diocese of Lagos West in Lagos State, will play host to the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) during the consecration service of three new Bishops and presentation of two Archbishops at Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Oba Akinjobi, G.R.A, Ikeja, Lagos. Already, the host Bishop: The Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji, with his planning committee, ensures that such a colourful ceremony would be a huge success.

The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Revd. Nicholas D. Okoh, will preside over the service of consecration ably assisted by his brother Archbishops and Bishops. It is with joy we recall that on June 1, 2016 during the one-day Episcopal Synod held at St. Peter’s Chapel, Ibru Centre that the elections for the Bishops and Archbishops took place. At the end of the Episcopal Synod, a release from the Primate’s office showed that these persons were elected as Bishops: Ven. Prof. Israel Kelue Okoye, Very Rev Akinpelu Johnson and Ven. Abel Ajibodu.

They are expected to take over from their respective retiring Bishops. To that effect, Ven. Prof. Israel Okoye, former General Secretary of Church of Nigeria, will take over from Rt. Revd. Raph Okofar, Ihiala Diocese, Very Rev Akinpelu Johnson takes over from Most Revd. Adebayo Akinde, Lagos Mainland, while Ven. Abel Ajibodu will take over from Rt. Revd. Samson Adekule, Ile-Oluji Diocese

On the other hand, those elected as Archbishops include: The Most Revd. Christian Efobi, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and The Rt. Revd. Michael Fape, Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos. It is to be noted that the Most Revd. Christian Efobi is the immediate past Dean of Church of Nigeria, but now re-elected for second tenure as Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, while the Rt. Revd. Michael Fape, Bishop of Remo Diocese, will take over from The Most Revd. (Prof.) Adebayo Akinde, when he finally retires next month, as the new Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and also as Bishop of Remo Diocese.

The two new Archbishops expected to be presented at today’s service are: The Most Christian Efobi and The Most Revd. Ikechi Nwachukwu, the Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Aba and the new Dean of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), who by the grace of God takes over from the Dean Emeritus, The Most Revd. Efobi. It is interesting to note that Most Revd. Ikechi Nwosu, the New Dean, was one-time Rector at the Ibru Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State. One interesting thing to learn from the elections into the Bishopric and Archbishopric position in the Church of Nigeria is that it is usually rancour-free. At the end of such exercises, the Lord of the Church takes the glory.

To all intent and purposes such should be emulated even by those in political circle, as this will enable them appreciate the fact that elections into elective posts or positions should be rancour-free and at the same time not to be taken as a “do-or-die affair”. Remember, it is God that gives power and this He freely gives to whomever He wishes. People should not be pushing their luck too far, for God is always involved in the affairs of men even at elections. More over, the mood in the country does not suggest that people should give room for heating the polity.

Already, there is more suffering in the land, so what we need now is men, who can support the country with prayer. It is hoped that the prayers of the righteous are efficacious for the common good of all. It is in this light that we appreciate these Church fathers consecrated and being presented today, as they will help in prayer for peace, progress and stability in our nation and by extension the world.

Therefore, we at Ibru Centre sincerely commend the Primate, The Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh for the way and manner God has been using him to guide His flock and the leaders in the Church of God. We equally thank God for all those made Bishop and presented as Archbishops together with their families and friends, as we pray that God’s support and help will be their portion in Jesus name. Amen!

Ven. Ernest Onuoha
Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org