By Folu Olamiti FNGE
The maiden Synod of the newly created Idanre Missionary Diocese ended on a jubilant note on Sunday as worshippers, traditional rulers and delegates gathered for a thanksgiving service that celebrated what many described as the fulfilment of a 131-year aspiration for a separate Anglican diocese in Idanreland.
The three-day First Session of the First Council Conference (Synod) drew delegates from the diocese’s three archdeaconries alongside clergy, community leaders and invited guests, turning the thanksgiving service into a colourful celebration of faith, gratitude and renewed hope for the future.
Dressed in specially designed blue attire, worshippers danced joyfully to the altar in appreciation to God and to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, whose leadership culminated in the creation of the diocese that generations of Anglican faithful in Idanreland had long desired.
The highlight of the closing service came with a sermon delivered by the Bishop of Ado-Ekiti Diocese, the Rt Rev. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, PhD, who described the pioneer Bishop of Idanre Missionary Diocese, the Rt Rev. Olubode Otenaike, as a divine gift to the people.
“You are lucky to have Bishop Otenaike,” Bishop Ajayi told the congregation, adding that the bishop’s arrival in Idanreland was not accidental but the result of divine orchestration.
According to him, Bishop Otenaike possesses an uncommon record of commitment, resilience and church growth.
“Otenaike that I know is a goal-getter,” he said. “He never complains about pastoral transfers. Put him on dry land and, within a short time, he will turn it into fertile ground.”
Drawing from years of ministerial association with Bishop Otenaike in Ado-Ekiti Diocese, Bishop Ajayi testified to his achievements in church planting and evangelism.
“During his service in Ado-Ekiti Diocese, he planted 35 churches,” he said. “His coming to Idanreland is to bring that same aura of achievement. My prayer is that as this diocese grows, it will continue to grow higher and higher in Jesus’ name.”
The bishop also paid special tribute to the women of the diocese for their support and commitment during the formative stages of the new ecclesiastical jurisdiction. He urged them to continue playing a central role in its development, describing them as indispensable partners in the growth of the Church.
Addressing the youth, Bishop Ajayi challenged them to build on the legacy of their forebears and embrace the responsibility of shaping the future of the diocese.
“Do more than what your fathers left behind,” he said. “Grow this diocese and make it unique. Make it one of the best dioceses in the Church of Nigeria.”
Reflecting on the Synod theme, “My Lord and My God” taken from John 20:28, Bishop Ajayi recounted the challenges and struggles that preceded the birth of the diocese, noting that the people of Idanre sought nothing less than the best for their spiritual future.
“The turbulence that preceded the creation of this diocese was because the people wanted the best,” he said. “God heard your prayers and gave you His anointed servant.”
He, however, cautioned worshippers against elevating human leaders above God, reminding them that the Christian faith is centred on devotion to Christ alone.
“When Thomas said, ‘My Lord and My God,’ he worshipped God and not man,” Bishop Ajayi said. “Therefore, people of Idanre should not worship their bishop. Serve God and not man. Serve Him faithfully and sincerely, not as hypocrites.”
He also charged priests of the diocese to remain loyal and supportive of their bishop as the new diocese lays its foundations for future growth.
The maiden Synod ended amid widespread optimism that the newly established Idanre Missionary Diocese, under the leadership of Bishop Otenaike, is poised for rapid spiritual expansion, evangelistic outreach and institutional development in the years ahead.
