Bishop Okupevi Collates Five New Archdecons In The Diocese Of Lagos: A Call To Exemplary Leadership

The Diocese of Lagos on Saturday, September 28, 2024, ably led by the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev’d. Dr. Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi, collated five new Archdeacons at All Souls’ Church, Lekki, Lagos. The collation service, a significant event in the life of the church, saw the elevation of five faithful priests into higher leadership roles. This development further strengthens the administrative and spiritual leadership of the diocese, marking a new chapter in its history.

The new Archdeacons collated by Bishop Okupevi are:

1. The Venerable Gbenle, Raphael Oladapomoye
2. The Venerable Fadipe, Emmanuel Sunday
3. The Venerable Oyekan, Sunday Matthew
4. The Venerable Akintade, Nehemiah Adebori
5. The Venerable Ademowo, Iyanul’Oluwa Ayomiposi

During the service, Bishop Okupevi preached a compelling sermon titled “Those He Called,” drawn from Romans 8:29-31. He emphasized the importance of recognizing God’s divine plan, highlighting six key theological concepts: “Foreknown,” “Predestined,” “Conformed,” “Called,” “Justified,” and “Glorified.”

Key Points from Bishop Okupevi’s Sermon:

1. Foreknown: Drawing from Jeremiah 1:5, the Bishop explained that God’s knowledge of us precedes our birth, affirming the divine purpose in each individual’s life.
2. Predestined: Referencing Proverbs 8:22-25, he spoke on how God has a predetermined plan for every believer, emphasizing that nothing happens by accident.
3. Conformed: Bishop Okupevi stressed that the new Archdeacons, and all believers, must conform to the image of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, as outlined in Romans 12:1-2. He urged everyone to live a life of regeneration, prayer, and holiness.
4. Called: Describing the call of God as irrevocable, he explained its meaning through Greek terminology, stating that it is an invitation to fulfill divine purpose (Matthew 22:14, Matthew 10). The Bishop challenged the new Archdeacons to minister to the “lost sheep” of society—those struggling with various challenges, including atheists, the morally lost, and the spiritually sick.
5. Justified: He reminded the congregation that once justified by God, fear has no place in their lives. He encouraged them to rise above adversity and darkness, proclaiming the acceptable year of the Lord to their families and congregations.
6. Glorified: Finally, drawing from Luke 10:17-19, the Bishop explained that to be glorified is to be elevated, bestowed with honor and heavenly authority.

The Bishop also called on the newly collated Archdeacons to set aside any ego or past experiences, urging them to embrace humility and exemplary leadership. He emphasized their responsibility to lift up the Anglican Church and refrain from any form of spiritual infidelity.

Supporting the New Archdeacons

Bishop Okupevi urged the families, friends, and congregations of the new Archdeacons to support them in prayer, moral encouragement, and obedience. He emphasized the importance of listening to their sermons and walking alongside them in their ministry.

A Call to Prayer for Nigeria

In closing, the Bishop called on all present to pray fervently for Nigeria and its leaders. He encouraged the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith and hopeful for a better nation.

Distinguished Guests

The service was graced by a host of dignitaries, including:

• Archbishop Ephraim Adebola Ademowo (OON, FNAL, PhD, D.Litt.), erstwhile Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria, alongside his wife, Mrs. Oluranti Ademowo.
• The Rt. Rev’d Williams Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe, Archbishop of Ibadan Province, and his wife
• The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Akin Atere, Bishop of Awori Diocese & his wife
• The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Andrew Ajayi, Bishop of Ekiti Diocese & his wife
• The Rt. Rev’d Prof. Dapo Asaju, Bishop of Ilesa Diocese & Bishop Theologian, Church of Nigeria accompanied by his wife, Barrister Mrs. Harriet Seun Asaju
• The Rt. Rev’d Akin Odedeji, Retired Bishop of Ifo Diocese
• The Rt. Rev’d Sunday Adewole, Bishop of Diocese of Kwara
• The Rt. Rev’d Olaoluwa Oluseyi Pirisola, Bishop of Diocese on the Coast and wife Mrs Olusina Pirisola,
• The Rt. Rev’d Olajide Adebayo, Diocese of Igbomina West
• The Rt. Rev’d and Mama Festus Shobanke, Bishop of Omu – Aran Diocese
• The Rt. Rev’d Olukayode Adebogun
• The Rt. Rev’d Isaac Adeniji, Bishop of Ilaje Diocese
• The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Peter Rotimi Oludipe, Bishop of Ijebu Diocese
• The Rt. Rev’d Rufus Victor Ajileye Adepoju
• The Rt. Rev’d Oluwagbemiro Fabuluje, Bishop of Oke-Osun Diocese
• The Rt. Rev’d Dr. ODUBENA, Akinwande Godwin Ayonuga, Diocese of Ijebu North and Mrs. Favour Omobolanle Olumuyiwa Odubena
• The Rt. Rev’d Samuel Olaitan Ifeyemi, Bishop of Osun North Diocese and Mrs. Agnes Abosede Ifeyemi
• The Rt. Rev’d Stephen Adegbite, Bishop methodist diocese of Ikeja
• Dr. Mrs Olusola Oluyamo
• Mrs. Esther Osase
• Mrs. Grace Oluwaronbi
• Government representatives including Princess Dr. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, among others

Bishop Okupevi concluded the service with a prayer, asking that as the new Archdeacons have begun their journey well, they will also end well, fulfilling the purpose of God in their lives.