Bishop of Ifo Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Right Reverend Nathaniel Oladejo Ogundipe, speaks with Rita Okonoboh on religious and national issues. Excerpts:
How has recession affected the Anglican Diocese of Ifo?
Recession is affecting the whole country and Ifo diocese has not been an exception. Being a diocese that is just coming up, we are really feeling the effects of the recession. People no more donate to the church like before. Those giving to the church do so sparingly. The effect of recession on the diocese is much but we still thank God.
The Anglican Communion is electing more younger people as bishops. Some people would say that the current generation does not have what it takes to perform in leadership positions in church and the polity. What is your take on this?
I don’t support that notion because the youths of today are the elders of tomorrow. The Anglican Communion has an apostolic succession process. It’s not in the age but in the experience.
Do you support the calls for President Muhammadu Buhari’s resignation as a result of his ill health?
That’s a serious question. Left to me, there’s a constitution guiding this country. If those at the helms of affairs know that the president’s health situation would not let him perform, there’s a way to do it. Buhari’s ill health has nothing to do with the day-to-day running of the government; that’s why he delegated power to Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
It was in the news recently that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo was accused of being biased against Muslims. Would you say Christians have enjoyed any special benefits by virtue of their religion since Professor Osinbajo took over?
If you hold any office, by virtue of your leanings, you will be accused. I’m not against criticism against Professor Osinbajo, however, such criticism should be constructive. Since he took over in acting capacity, he hasn’t done anything wrong. Rather, he had tried to create balance in the polity. He should not be accused of being biased because he is not.
With the achievements of the present administration in the past two years, what do you foresee for the remaining two years?
We need to keep praying for this administration. Yes, they tried to lay their hands on so many things, especially the fight against corruption. However, they should fight corruption to a logical conclusion and not make it a one-sided affair. We commit the future unto God’s hands. We should continue to pray for the country.
Activities for diocesan synod
The synod will be hosted by the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Okenla, Ifo, Ogun State. The synod will begin with a revival which will begin on June 12. On June 15, the opening service will hold at 2pm. On Friday, the bishop’s charge will be delivered at 10am. There will be a plenary session on Saturday, while the thanksgiving service will hold next Sunday. The theme for this year’s synod is Great is Thy Faithfulness.
Why did you choose that theme?
The choice of that theme came as a result of what we have experienced in the last ten years – God’s faithfulness upon the diocese. When this diocese was created, people thought the diocese wouldn’t survive. However, God sent helpers, especially through the pioneer bishop, Bishop Joseph Akinyemi Odejide, who did all he could to put the diocese in good standing. Since then, God has been so faithful to us.
In Nigeria, there have been threats of secession from some quarters. In the light of the theme of the synod, would you say God’s faithfulness in evident in present-day Nigeria?
In spite of all that we are facing in Nigeria, we need to be grateful to God. There are countries in the world, who have not witnessed three-quarters of what we are facing, and they have broken up. Even with what we are facing today, God is still keeping us together. Calling for disintegration or division, I don’t see it as a way out of our problems. Let this administration look into the report of the national conference held years ago. There are many loopholes. I believe that division cannot solve our problems as a nation. We must live together as one, indivisible country. There is a purpose for it. Let there be equality of all tribes; let there be sincerity of purpose. When we put these things in place, Nigeria will be a better country. Before now, we have been living together as a nation. Why is it now we want division? Let’s continue to live together. If we divide today, what happens to those who have married from other tribes? Disintegration is not the best, in all sincerity.
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