The paramount ruler and Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr) Kabir Adewale Sotobi has expressed support for the current move to create an Anglican Diocese in Ikorodu.
He gave the royal endorsement during a courtesy visit to his palace by the leadership of the Implementation Committee for the proposed diocese.
Oba Sotobi said the diocese is long overdue and promised to do everything within his authority to make it a reality.
“It is indeed a dream whose time has come. I am delighted to hear that Ikorodu, the third largest town in the entire South West Zone, is being given a Diocese by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion,” Kabiyesi Ayangburen declared.
He prayed that God Almighty would create a conducive environment and provide the necessary resources to bring the project to fruition.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Archdeacon of Ikorodu Archdeaconry, Venerable Clement Taiwo Arowolo said the Church of Nigeria had noted with keen interest and pride how zealous and passionate the royal father has been in the things of God.
“Kabiyesi, that is why we have counted you as one of the front liners and friends of the Church. We therefore have the pleasure to give you a pride of place in our collective task of honouring God with our substance,” Ven Arowolo stated.
He enjoined the Ayangburen to partake in the joy of being counted among the architects and founding fathers of the new diocese, especially with the upcoming mega launch/fundraising for the project.
The Archdeacon urged the paramount ruler to mobilize indigenes and residents of Ikorodu and its environs to support the proposed diocese financially, materially, and morally.
The Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Mr. Tunde Gbolade, in his remarks, assured the Kabiyesi that the Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Rt Rev Dr James Olusola Odedeji has in principle let go the proposed diocese.
According to Mr Gbolade, “What remains now is for us to hit the requisite financial and material targets.”
He said details of the mega launch would be communicated to the palace soon.
Other members of the delegation are the Secretary of the Implementation Committee, Barr Felix Echeta, Chairman, of Bishop’s Court Committee, Barr Tunde Osoba, and Chairman of the Enlightenment Sub-Committee, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga.
