| On Wednesday, 4th of January, 2023, during the 2023 Clergy Convocation, held at Canon Ajibola Memorial Anglican Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife, God favoured six (6) Priests in the Diocese of Ife, as some were preferred Canons, and others Archdeacons. The Priests preferred as Canons are: The Rev. Stephen Oparinde The Rev. Bukola Adesoji, and The Rev. ‘Leye Onitiju. The Priests preferred as Archdeacons are: The Rev. Canon David Olumoko The Rev. Canon Ezekiel Adeyera, and The Rev. Canon Foluso Owotade. During the annual Diocesan program tagged “Power for the Year” which held on Saturday, 10th of January, 2023, at the Cathedral Church of St. Philip, Ayetoro, God again favoured another Priest as the Diocesan preferred the Rev. Canon Dr. Richard Ogunlusi as an Archdeacon in the Diocese of Ife. | On Sunday, the 22nd of January, 2023, the new archdeacons were collated at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Iremo. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Olusola Akanbi (Bishop of Offa), while delivering the sermon for the day encouraged the new archdeacons and in fact, everyone present, to focus on doing only what the Lord has called them to do, and to do it well. He stressed the importance of humility because one’s status does not last forever. He stressed the need for all to wait on the Lord in times of trial. He also observed that the 2 preferred non-stipendiary Priests were once President of the Anglican Student’s Fellowship, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. | In conclusion, he charged the Priests not to be overly anxious for positions, instead, they should wait for God’s time and keep doing their work “as unto the Lord.” He advised the Priests to be diligent, humble, create time for their family, have time for relaxation, and that they should endeavor to let their spirituality reflect on their immediate society. The Rt. Rev. Iwabiolorun Oluyamo (Bishop of Ijesa North), prayed for the newly collated archdeacons, asking God to strengthen and help them as they journey along. The Rt. Rev. Olubunmi Akinlade appreciated everyone who came for the service, and closed the service with the hymn “O Jesus, I have promised.” Congratulations to the new Archdeacons. |
By Abiola Florence Ifeoluwa
