Bishop of The African Church, Ibadan North Diocese, Right Reverend Abiodun Ebenezer Ademola, in an interaction with Rita Okonoboh, speaks on how the church has fared in its 117 years of existence, how they have incorporated African elements into the style of worship, and how Christians can hold their members in political positions accountable.
One of the purposes for the establishment of the African Church is freedom for Africans to worship God in line with their own culture, with focus areas on dressing, musical instruments and dancing steps. Clerics of The African Church still wear the popular clerical robes. What ways have you incorporated Africanism into the church?
Africanism is a concept that we need to have a clear understanding of. It has been considered that we do not need to go in line with what is popular, but when we look at the contemporary world now, there must be distinction. We are members of the orthodox community, and we hold the knowledge of the foundation of the faith in Nigeria. We have sacraments of Holy Communion and baptism in The African Church and it could be improper to wear suits, agbada and the like, to administer the sacraments. However, the college of bishops is holding discussions to that effect, especially on how we can move forward.
What about English names? Your name, for instance, is Ebenezer…
When I was born, it was immediately after independence, and it was not uncommon to have names from the Bible. Till present, we still have people in theological circles that say you must have biblical names. Nowadays, however, the English names in the Bible are given indigenous translations. For instance, none of my children has a foreign (let me refer to them as that) name. They all bear strictly Yoruba names.
The African Church was established on October 13, 1901. How did the journey begin?
It has been a bitter-sweet journey. The church started after following the activities surrounding a minister, Reverend James Johnson, who was treated unfavourably, alongside other Black missionaries. At that time, there were agitations for the Whites to leave supervision of the country in the hands of the indigenous people. At that time, there were also agitations for Black ministers to rule indigenous congregations. The issue of bishops came up and the Whites refused to acknowledge the person, who had been rightly chosen for that position. He had already been consecrated, and it was felt that he should be allowed to visit the diocese, and when he returned, he would move his things. However, before he returned, his things had been moved out of his residence. That was during the rainy season, and his family was outside, beaten by the rain. Appeals made to the white bishop were turned down and the following Sunday, when the new minister was to be installed, there were still attempts to ask for some time, but the appeals were rejected. Following that incident, our forefathers were victimised. In fact, in parts of the country at the time, if you were a member of the African Church, you could be tortured. Some traditional rulers were also removed from their positions. However, we thank God for where we are today.
You were ordained bishop 10 years ago, but in May 2018, you were posted to Ibadan North diocese, which was inaugurated earlier this year. What are your plans for the diocese?
We are working with the people on plans for the diocese. Firstly, we want to foster unity among Christians in the diocese, so that we can speak with one voice as a family. By the grace of God, between May when I arrived at the diocese and now, we have visited all the churches in the diocese. They now see the bishop not ‘of’ the diocese, but ‘in’ the diocese. It means that I am at home with my people. Another thing we are looking at is empowering youths. The population of youths in Nigeria must be addressed by providing productive ventures for them to engage themselves. Then, we will also focus on the widows and the underprivileged. The church is also looking into all aspects of agro-business, so that those in the rural, as well as the urban areas, will feel the impact of the church. Very soon, we will invite you to buy our garri. Also, very soon, we are praying and trusting God for our indigenous rice production. When you preach with the Bible on the right hand, the left hand must not be idle. We want to also move forward by empowering our women. Women are really trying when it comes to how hard they work for their families. So, our efforts will also focus on ways to ensure that we can improve their lives.
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You talked about Christians taking active part in politics. We have always had Christians in politics, yet it cannot be said that the effect has been felt as expected. In fact, a few weeks ago, a former governor, who was a reverend, was indicted for corruption. What do you think is wrong?
I think we have to shift attention from the way we have been looking at it in the past. Now, if a Christian wants to contest for a political position, one of the things we are discussing among ourselves, as Christian leaders, is that he/she must be attached to a denomination. And if the leader of the candidate’s church cannot vouchsafe on his or her behalf, that such a person will uphold the Christian tenets, we won’t come out to support him. If I have to append my signature that this person is my member, and be responsible for all his actions in governance, you know what that means. How many of them have we seen in the past? It is only when they need our support that some of them claim to be Christians. You will see shifting of goal posts next year as far as the elections are concerned. Let all the jesters continue to dramatise; when we get to that bridge, we will cross it. A movement is coming next year, by the grace of God.
How did you find yourself in the ministry?
According to my mother, a prophet predicted certain things about me, when I was still in her womb. It happened that those things came to pass. She was also told that certain things would happen that would show that the time for the ministry had come. And those things started to manifest. I saw myself preaching in my dreams. And when I told my mother, she just laughed. After some time, it got to a point when she said: ‘Biodun, you need to go to where you belong. Do not use your own to affect the family.’ I was working at the time, and my managing director was reluctant to release me. Eventually, I joined the ministry and here I am, by God’s grace. I was ordained on July 13, 1986.
and then