Retired Bishop Akinfenwa Charges New Bishops on Service

The Most Rev’d Joseph Akinfenwa, the retired Bishop of Ibadan Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), delivered a sermon during the consecration of four bishops-elect at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Tuesday. He charged the new bishops—The Right Reverend Godwin Yakela (Bishop of Markudi), The Right Reverend Kingsley Ogbonda (Bishop of Uyo), The Right Reverend Julius Oyediran (Bishop of Ekiti-Oke), and The Right Reverend Olayemi Fatusi (Bishop of Awori)—to uphold the dignity of their episcopate and to speak truth to power.

Akinfenwa emphasized that their elevation should be viewed as a call to service rather than personal honor. He reminded them that their lives would serve as a sermon to their congregations and that they would be under public scrutiny regarding their behavior and adherence to biblical standards.

The event coincided with the opening Holy Communion Service of the 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, where Akinfenwa encouraged the Church to reflect on past achievements while looking forward to future endeavors.