The Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has said the Church in Nigeria is still facing numerous challenges and cannot yet be described as a comfort zone.
Olanipekun made the remark on Wednesday in Ibadan while delivering a valedictory lecture titled, “From the Cross to the Crown: The Travails and Triumphs of Faith,” during activities marking the retirement and 70th birthday celebration of the Bishop of the Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa, and his wife, Mrs Comfort Akinfenwa.
According to the senior lawyer, the Church must continue to endure its trials with faith, courage and conviction.
He described Bishop Akinfenwa, who is retiring after 26 years of service as bishop of the Ibadan Diocese, as an exceptional clergyman whose intellectual depth and humility distinguish him.
Olanipekun also praised the bishop’s wife, describing her as a strong pillar behind the success of his ministry and a devoted supporter of the gospel.
In his lecture, the legal luminary spoke extensively on the burden of faith, the trials of the early Church, the Nicene Creed, and the spiritual significance of perseverance in Christianity.
He also reflected on the evolution of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria, noting that the Church has grown into a global ecclesiastical body with shared doctrines and heritage.
Despite the progress recorded, Olanipekun said the Church in Nigeria is still striving toward becoming a better version of itself.
“As we celebrate Bishop Akinfenwa, we still behold a Church that is negotiating and yearning for its own better self,” he stated.
Speaking on the bishop’s legacy, Olanipekun said Akinfenwa carried the burden of ministry with unwavering faith and dedication.
“He passed through the travails of life and his calling unperturbed through his unalloyed faith in the Lord, and his robe remains clean, without stain,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Justice of the Supreme Court and Chancellor of the Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, described the lecture as a call for spiritual and moral rebirth within society.
According to her, Christianity teaches that glory often comes through suffering and perseverance.
“Christianity is the only faith and tradition where suffering is not seen as a tragedy, but as the way to salvation,” she said.
Justice Ogunwumiju also highlighted the achievements of Bishop Akinfenwa during his years of service, including the establishment of new archdeaconries, mission fields, churches, youth programmes, scholarship initiatives and a primary healthcare centre.
She described his stewardship as one marked by courage, commitment and service to humanity.
Responding, the retiring bishop thanked the organisers, family members and well-wishers for honouring him.
Bishop Akinfenwa described the lecture delivered by Olanipekun as spiritually and intellectually enriching, adding that the Christian faith requires dedication, compassion and continuous service to God.
He noted that ministry is not a solitary journey and acknowledged the support of many individuals throughout his 26 years as bishop.
The bishop also expressed appreciation to the people of Ibadan, describing the city as rich in history, faith and resilience.
Bishop Akinfenwa was ordained priest in 1986 in Kaduna, became Bishop of Sokoto in 1998, and was later transferred to the Ibadan Diocese in 2000 before emerging Archbishop of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province in 2003.
Tribune
