A cleric, Rev. Festus Shobanke has been ordained as the new Bishop of Omu-Aran Diocese of St Paul Cathedral, Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shobanke, a one-time Archdeacon in the Cathedral was ordained during the inauguration of the Church Ministry on Wednesday in Omu-Aran, Kwara.
Shobanke’s ordination was sequel to the retirement of Rt Rev. Philip Adeyemo at the age 70 after 12years’ service as the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese.
Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Communion, while performing the ordination, said Shobanke’s elevation was based on merit and his devotion to service of God and humanity.
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Okoh, who was represented by Ven. Olufemi Ogunremi, the Archdeacon of the cathedral, announced that Shobanke has been duly elected, confirmed and consecrated as the new Bishop of the Diocese.
“I install and enthroned you the Right Reverend Father-in-God, Festus Oyetola Shobanke, elected, confirmed and consecrated into the real, actual and corporeal possession of the Bishopric of Diocese of Omu-Aran.
“God establish you in righteousness and in holiness in the church that you may attain to the company of the blessed and to the peace that knows no ending,” he said.
Shobanke, in his first sermon after his enthronement, said most of Nigeria leaders are yet to know and accept God through their deeds, attitude and behaviour.
He expressed the need for the leaders to retrace their steps positively for them to be able to sail the ship of the country to the desired Promised Land.
“Most of our leader are yet to know God in the true sense of it; that is why they continue to gather money meant for many people for their own personal gains.
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“I beg our leaders in the community, the state and at the centre to run from sins and move closer to God, so that God’s promises and desires for our country can be fulfilled,” he said.
He described his elevations as God’s ordained and a call for greater spiritual responsibilities.
Earlier, Shobanke together with some of the church clerics had performed the foundation laying of a multi-million naira prayer camp for the cathedral on Omu-Aran-Ilofa expressway.
Bishop Philip Adeyemo, the pioneer Bishop of the cathedral, in his remarks, described Shobanke as a disciplined and thorough-bred man of God, who is most qualified for the exalted position.
Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, on his part, congratulated Shobanke on his enthronement and promised the support of traditional institution in making his tenure a worthwhile experience. (NAN)