A new chapter began at Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary (CGTS) in Isale Igbein Abeokuta, the foremost Church of Nigeria Theological Training Institution, as the institution inaugurated a new school management and administration, headed by Ven. Prof. Omotoye Rotimi Williams, a distinguished church historian and religious scholar.
Before this appointment, that took place on September 1st, 2025, Prof. Williams, with over 31 years of university teaching and leadership experience, was a faculty member in the Department of Religion at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
The inauguration was marked by a welcome and Thanksgiving service, officiated by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Victor Rufus Adepoju, who was assisted by Ven. Dr. Peter Atanda, Ven. Dr. Isreal Odewole, Ven. Dr. Jeremiah Oguche, and Revd. Dr. Tolutope Oluwawole (Chaplain of the Chapel of Christ Our Wisdom, CGTS).
The school community, along with family and friends from Kwara, Ogun, and Abeokuta, attended the Eucharistic service, which symbolized the start of a new leadership era. A sense of palpable joy filled the air as everyone offered thanksgiving for the smooth transition from the immediate past leadership of Ven. Prof. Taye Aluko to the new leadership of Ven. Prof. Omotoye.
During a power-packed sermon, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Rufus Adepoju charged the new Rector to be courageous as he undertakes the demanding task of building upon the legacies of his predecessors — Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju, Rt. Rev. Prof. Andrew O. Igenosa, and Ven. Prof. Aluko.
He emphasized that there was a divine purpose for Prof. Omotoye being chosen to lead the school at this specific time. The homily, titled “Walking in the Light Together,” and the biblical text was taken from 1st John 1:5-8.
Bishop Adepoju underscored the importance of light as a guide that dispels darkness and is crucial for the revelation of truth. He urged the school community to be united in walking in the light so that, together with the new Rector, the institution could reach greater heights.
The Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju, Bishop Theologian of the Church of Nigeria and Bishop of Ilesha Diocese, represented the Chairman of the school board, Most. Rev. Eyindah (Dean, CoN), and the Primate, Most. Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Adekunle, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egba, played host and prayed for the new Rector, his wife, Mrs Esther Iyabo Omotoye, and daughter, Miss Omolola Omotoye, asking the Lord to grant them the strength to finish strong.
Other notable dignitaries in attendance included the Registrar of CGTS, Ven. Dr. Friday Ogbuehi, the Bursar, Mrs. Bankole, and other members of the academic faculty, as well as the students of the school.
The Dean, Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Ake Abeokuta, Ven. Dr. S.O.B. Omidiji, Col. Ven. Moses Abolanle(former Director, Protestant Chaplaincy), Ven. Dr. Abodurin, the secretary of the school Alumni association, Revd. Olusola Niyi, and Mr. Timileyin Adewole from Ilorin, were also present.
