Bishop Ajayi Seeks Peace at All Saints Anglican Church

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A recent controversy at All Saints Anglican Church in Opopogboro, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, has raised significant concerns and sparked debate among members of the diocese and the Church of Nigeria. The investigation into the matter has revealed a complex web of issues, including a disputed Vestry Election, allegations of age discrimination, and a breakdown in communication between church leaders and members.

The controversy began when the church’s Vicar, Ven. Oke Olanrewaju, insisted that anyone above 70 years of age would not be allowed to contest for the position of People’s Warden. This decision was based on a 2014 Synod Resolution from the Diocese, which had been passed and approved by the then Archbishop of Ondo Province and the Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, the Most Revd. Omotunde (Rtd). However, the Vicar’s stance faced resistance from some members of the congregation who identified themselves as “Cabals and warlords.” They argued that the age limit was unfair and discriminatory, leading to escalating tensions and the disruption of church services the following Sunday.

In response to the crisis, the Diocesan Bishop of Ekiti, Rt. Revd. Dr. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, took swift action by placing the Vicar on immediate indefinite leave to pave the way for a peaceful resolution. He subsequently established a peace committee, headed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Hon. Justice Ayodeji Daramola, a retired Chief Judge of Ekiti State. The committee included twelve members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC), such as the Pastor’s Warden, Synod Delegates, and Vergers. However, the key figures behind the dissent refused to attend the meetings, demonstrating a blatant disregard for church authority and Scripture.

Following the formation of the peace committee, the committee’s findings revealed several key issues that contributed to the turmoil:

• -Lack of Proper Election Procedures: The committee determined that election procedures were not correctly followed, leading to disputes and confusion.
• -Misconceptions About Tenure: There were mistaken beliefs regarding the length of service that a People’s Warden can undertake, which further fueled the crisis.
• -Non-Observance of Church Rules: Some members were found to be disregarding the church’s established rules and regulations, contributing to the turmoil.

To further address the situation, Bishop Ajayi appointed Ven. Dr. Bode Otenaike, a Senior Archdeacon, to preside over the church service on Sunday, March 2nd. Unfortunately, the dissenting members obstructed Ven. Dr. Otenaike from addressing the congregation, which only worsened the crisis.

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In a conversation with the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Revd. Dr. Andrew Ajayi expressed disappointment that members took the issue public despite his efforts for an internal resolution. He emphasized that the Anglican Church is episcopally led and synodically governed, firmly guided by Scripture.

The crisis at All Saints Anglican Church serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity, peace, and spiritual growth within the church community. As the congregation navigates this challenging period, it is crucial to prioritize these values and work collaboratively towards a harmonious and peaceful resolution. Bishop Ajayi assured that he would carefully consider and implement the recommendations of the peace committee to restore harmony within the church. He appealed to the congregation to allow the Holy Spirit to take charge, reminding them that the Anglican Church is spiritually guided and episcopally governed with the authority of Scripture.