A leadership dispute at All Saints Anglican Church, Opopogboro, Ado Ekiti, has ignited a heated debate within the Ekiti Diocese and the Church of Nigeria at large. An investigation has exposed a tangled web of issues, including a disputed Vestry Election, allegations of age discrimination, and growing tensions between church leaders and members.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The crisis began when the church’s Vicar, Ven. Oke Olanrewaju, enforced a rule preventing members above 70 years old from contesting for the position of People’s Warden. This decision was based on the 2014 Synod Resolution of the Diocese, which was approved by the then Archbishop of Ondo Province and Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Most Revd. Omotunde (Rtd).
However, the ruling did not sit well with certain church members, who labeled themselves as “Cabals and warlords.” They viewed the age restriction as discriminatory and unjust, sparking resistance that ultimately disrupted the Sunday church service.
Church Leadership Takes Action
In response to the escalating crisis, the Diocesan Bishop of Ekiti, Rt. Revd. Dr. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, intervened swiftly. His first move was to place Ven. Olanrewaju on indefinite leave to ease tensions and create room for peaceful resolution.
To mediate the situation, Bishop Ajayi set up a peace committee, chaired by the Diocesan Chancellor, Hon. Justice Ayodeji Daramola, a retired Chief Judge of Ekiti State. Twelve key members of the PCC, including the Pastor’s Warden, Synod Delegates, and Vergers, attended the peace talks. However, those leading the protest refused to participate, openly defying church authority and doctrine.
More Tensions Erupt as Mediation Fails
In a renewed effort to restore order, Bishop Ajayi deployed Ven. Dr. Bode Otenaike, a Senior Archdeacon, to preside over the Sunday, March 2nd church service. However, the dissenting group barred him from addressing the congregation, further deepening the divide.
Key Findings from the Church Investigation
The peace committee’s findings revealed several underlying issues fueling the crisis, including:
✅ Flawed election procedures – Irregularities in the election process led to disputes and confusion.
✅ Misconceptions about the People’s Warden’s tenure – A lack of clarity on term limits added to the unrest.
✅ Failure to follow church rules – Some members were not adhering to established church regulations, intensifying the conflict.
What’s Next for All Saints Anglican Church?
With tensions still high, the Ekiti Diocese leadership continues to seek a resolution that will restore peace and unity within the congregation. However, the defiance of key protesters and resistance to authority present ongoing challenges.
Can the church heal from this controversy, or will the divide grow deeper? Stay tuned for updates as the situation unfolds.
Speaking with the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Andrew Ajayi, he expressed disappointment that the members took the issue public despite his efforts to resolve it internally. He emphasized that the Anglican Church is episcopally led and synodically governed, guided by Scripture.
Bishop Ajayi assured that he will carefully consider and implement the recommendations of the peace committee to resolve the crisis and restore peace to the church. He appealed to members of the church to allow the Holy Spirit to take charge of His church, reminding them that the Anglican Church is spiritually guided and episcopally governed with the authority of the Scriptures.
Ultimately, the crisis at the All Saints Anglican Church, Opopogboro, Ado Ekiti, serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, peace, and spiritual growth in the church. As the church navigates this challenging period, it is crucial to prioritize these values and work towards a harmonious and peaceful resolution.
