Why Tinubu must reconcile with opponents – Lagos bishop
The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji, has stated why the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, must reconcile with his opponents in the 2023 elections.
According to the Nation, Odedeji, who is also the Supervising Bishop for Lagos Diocese, made this call while speaking on the sideline of the one year remembrance service for the Rt. Dr. Peter Adelewa Adebiyi, the former Bishop of the Diocese at the Archbishop Vining memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos.
The Bishop stated that elections have come and gone, what remains is nation building and it is not what Tinubu can do alone.
The cleric also explained that his emergence as the Bishop of the Diocese ten years ago is a product of grace because he never lobbied for the exalted position.
He said, “Every bishop should be approachable and friendly. After all, there is nothing we have that we have not received from God.
“So, I see myself daily as a product of grace. Because if age were part of the criteria, I will not be sitting here today. But one thing I know is that God has a way of lifting people.”
The fierce preacher who was consecrated as Bishop on February 24, 2013 and subsequently enthroned as The Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion) on April 28, 2013, said what gives him more joy is when other people are happy.
“This week is my 10th year anniversary as the Diocesan Bishop, and when I look at the journey so far, I give God all the Glory. Although the journey has not been easy, God has always been with me all the way.
“This is evidence in the many positive steps the Diocese has taken, and it is not limited to my diocese alone, in fact we have touched many lives, and are still reaching out to other dioceses, even across Nigeria.
“Apart from the many projects we have undertaken to enlarge the coast of Lagos West Diocese, we have also empowered over 500 people, paying school fees of many indigent but brilliant youths, also ensuring that we take youths off the streets through the many skill acquisition initiatives.
“I’m happier today. Whenever I go to churches, I see some of these youths that we have empowered and are doing well in their various chosen fields. We thank God for their lives, and intend to do more through various partnerships with Foundations and other well-meaning Nigerians.
“We have also bought an expanse of land. Fully paid for. We call it Clergy City. We encourage all our priests to key into the initiative by buying plots, I also bought, and we’re galvanizing resources around us to actually make it affordable to all our clergymen.
Commenting on late RT. Rev’d Peter Adelewa Adebiyi, Odedeji regarded him as a good Christian, teacher and spiritual leader who lived a worthy life committed to the service for God and humanity.
“Baba Adebiyi was totally committed to the service of God till he breathed his last at the ripe age of 79. We thank God because this is a celebration of life. He lived in God’s service, an evidence of the grace of God, he imparted many people and helped many to find purpose and meaning.
While noting that death is inevitable, Dr. Odedeji stressed that those who accepted His Son, Jesus Christ, here on earth should not fear death because they have a hope of eternity with God, just as he said the late Bishop Adebiyi gave his life and lived for God, which he said had given him a hope of a hereafter.
On the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Bishop Odedeji urged to see himself as father of the nation by reaching out to every part of the country including his opponents in the last presidential election move the country forward.
“The election has come and gone, and it is time for reconciliation. He has been declared the winner, the next stage is to bring everybody together because there is a huge task ahead, and he can’t do it alone,” he added.