Don’t make ‘political’ promises, Fape warns Ogun governor-elect

THE Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, The Most Reverend (Dr) Olusina Fape, on Sunday, warned the Ogun State Governor-elect, Prince Dapo Abiodun, not to make ‘political’ promises at the detriment of the people who voted him into power.

He sounded this note of warning during a sermon delivered at a thanksgiving service to commemorate the election of Abiodun as the 5th democratically-elected governor of the State, held at St James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo.

Fape, who doubles as the Bishop of Diocese of Remo, in a message titled “It is God who gives good gift including the gifts of destiny helpers,” said the emergence of Abiodun at the poll on March 9 was nothing but a gift from God.

He described the governor-elect as a force to reckon with in the polity of the country, having served in various presidential committees and having indicated interest to vie for various political posts at the state level.

The cleric said Abiodun was brought to power not by “federal might” but the benevolence of God, who puts every single individual into positions.

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He urged him to impact positively in the lives of Ogun people and not to make vain promises, emphasising that the business of governance requires all seriousness.

The Archbishop advised Abiodun not to be intoxicated with power on assumption of office in May 29, asking him to respect the political structure that paved way for his success.

According to the cleric, “The problem of power is that it intoxicates. You need destiny helpers to fulfil your promises to the people of the State. Whatever you know that you cannot do, please don’t promise. Keep your promises to the people.

“Your victory at the polls is a gift from God. You are one of the major stakeholders of the nation’s economy and you are not a political neophyte. There is a reason at this time for God to give you the opportunity to serve the people of the State,” he said.

Bishop Fape also urged the governor-elect to be wary of sycophants and selfish ones asking him to select people of integrity who abhors covetousness.

“You can’t do this work alone. You need people that will work with you, men and women of integrity who hates covetousness. Appoint men of good reputation and ask God for destiny helpers to make Ogun greater than you will meet it on May 29,” the cleric noted.

In his short response, Abiodun appealed to the people of the State to join hands with his incoming administration to take the state to greater heights.

He explained that his victory was truly the handiwork of His creator in whom he has absolute faith.

The governor-elect said, “I want to say that I remain the biggest testimony in the awesomeness of God in the life of a man. If it was a man, I won’t be here. But through God, all things are possible. I will align myself with the position of the Archbishop’s sermon that my election victory is a gift from God. What has been propelling me is my absolute faith in God.”

In attendance at the service were former governors of Ogun and Ekiti states, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Otunba Niyi Adebayo; traditional rulers from the length and breadth of the State including the representative of the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Senators Adegbenga Kaka, Biyi Durojaiye, Solomon Adeola, Senator-elect for Ogun West senatorial district, Chief Tolu Odebiyi, among others.