—- Wants him called to order

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Anglican Church has lashed the two term House of Representatives member, representing Owo/ Ose Federal Constituency, Hon Timehin Adelegbe, for calling the Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, Revd. Stephen Fagbemi, a liar.

Bishop Fagbemi had chided the lawmaker during a church sermon at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Owo, of non performance and accessibility after his re- election to the National Assembly.

The cleric while acknowledging dignitaries after the church service alleged that Adelegbe has become inaccessible to the constituents since becoming the lawmaker.

According to him, people in his constituents have been complaining that he has remained inaccessible after his re- election.

But the lawmaker, fired back by calling the cleric a liar and that he out to tarnish his reputation out of hatred and jealousy.

In a prompt response to the lawmakers outburst against the cleric, the Diocese of Owo, Anglican Communion, cautioned the lawmaker to tread lightly and stop forthwith the unnecessary attacks on the personality of its Bishop, Rt Revd Stephen Fagbemi.

A statement by the Diocese deputy Public Relations Officer, Adesoye Ajayi, picked holes in the accusations against the cleric by the lawmaker.

Ajayi said in the statement that ” We sincerely appreciate the patience and maturity demonstrated by our esteemed father in God, The Lord Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, The Rt Revd Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi.

“Recent media statements by the aides of Hon. Timehin Adelegbe and reactions from certain political figures to the Bishop’s passing remarks during the remembrance service for the Late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, at the Cathedral Church of St Andrew, Owo, on December 27, 2024, have stirred controversy.

“Despite the provocations, we thank God for the Bishop’s godly wisdom in handling the situation.

“Accusations labeling the Bishop as a liar reflect a broader moral decline that the Church strives to address in our society.

“The Bishop’s remarks to Hon. Timehin Adelegbe during the recognition of dignitaries were meant as an admonition—an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

“However, in this era, where many seek accolades regardless of their contributions, such counsel is often met with resistance.

“In light of this, the Diocesan Media & Legal Teams respectfully appeal to our elders within the Diocese who have close ties with Hon. Adelegbe to urge him to call his media aides to order.“

Meanwhile, the lawmakers constituents have backed the position of the cleric against the lawmaker.