Kunle Adelabu
The Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ikorodu, has played host to the Prelate of the Church, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, Jpil., as part of his working visit to the Lagos Archdiocese comprising of six dioceses including Ikorodu.
The visit which hosted Dr Aba and his wife, Mrs Maria O. Aba and entourage, was tagged, “Prelate Apostolic Visit”, took event on Tuesday, and saw the team paying homage to the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Dr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi at his palace.
There was also visitation to the Igede Wesley Chapel and Ebenezer Methodist Church which are under the Ogijo Circuit of the diocese and the Prelate was later hosted at the Cathedral of the Diocese, Patriarch Bolaji Cathedral, Ita-Elewa, Ikorodu and at the Exclusives Club, Ikorodu.
Welcoming the head of the Methodist Church Nigeria and his entourage to his palace, Oba Shotobi thanked him for the visit and commended his leadership of the Methodist Church in Nigeria which the royal father said has contributed immensely to the development of the country, state and Ikorodu.
Dr Aba in his remarks thanked Ayangbure for the warm welcome and pledged the continuous support of the Church for the royal institution and the community as a whole. He stressed the need for unity and cooperation in ensuring progress and development in the country. He also offered special prayers.
At his next point of call at Ogijo Circuit, the Prelate dedicated the Ebenezer Methodist Church, Ogijo formally, to the joy of the congregation.
On arrival at the Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral Ikorodu, Dr Aba, dedicated the large cross erected in memory of His Pre -Eminence, Prof. Bolaji Idowu, the First Patriarch Methodist Church Nigeria by His Eminence, Dr Sunday Ola Makinde, CON and Dame Elizabeth Makinde, KJW. He also inspected the ongoing three storey building within the Church and visited the mausoleum of Pre -Eminence, Prof. Bolaji Idowu, the First Patriarch, Methodist Church Nigeria.
Dr. (Sir) Ayo Ajayi, the Lay President, Methodist Diocese of Ikorodu, described the visit as an honour and of great spiritual impact.
“We give glory to God Almighty for the grace and privilege of receiving you today. Your presence among us is a great honour, a source of spiritual encouragement, and a visible reminder of our unity as one body in Christ under the leadership of the Methodist Church Nigeria.
Your Eminence, your visit strengthens our faith, renews our commitment to the work of God, and inspires both clergy and laity to continue steadfastly in holiness, service and evangelism. We deeply appreciate your fatherly leadership, prayers, and tireless efforts in guiding the Church to truth, love and discipline.”
The Lay President pledged the continuous loyalty and the unwavering commitment of the Diocese of Ikorodu.
Chairman Planning Committee of the Prelate visit, Sir David Sunmoni, said the visit was in accordance with the Bible: John: 10: 14, adding that the visit afforded the Prelate the opportunity of meeting with members of the Church in Ikorodu Diocese.
Also in attendance were the Archbishop of Lagos, Methodist Diocese, His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Isaac Ayobami Olawuyi, Archbishop of Lagos, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Samson Osundina, Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ikorodu, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Adekunle Gboyega Adejumo, Dame Odulate, KJW, Dame (Dr.) Mrs Ajayi, KJW, Sir Ayo Shode, Sir (Dr.) Olusoji Onafowokan, KCW, Mr Odumuyiwa Adewale, Diocesan treasurer and Mr Seujn Elesho among others.
