The Rector of Immanuel College of Theology and Christian Education, Samonda Ibadan, Venerable (Dr) Isaac Olukoyade Oyeneye has submitted that the leadership of the church quest for materialism has robbed it of its honour and respect.
Olukayode made the submission in a chat with the newsmen as part of the activities marking the 63rd Graduation ceremony of the institution in Ibadan on Monday.
He said the church had lost its savour because of the ignoble activities of the leaders.
Olukayode added that the church has ceased from what it is known for such as correcting the ills of the society through sermon because of the ignoble activities of its leadership.
According to him, there is problem in the church. The problem is its leadership unsatisfied appetite for wealth and the inability to speak the truth.
In the past, the traditional worshippers had respect for the church unlike nowadays when masquerade is chasing the pastors from the temple.
The Church has lost its glory and honour. That is why politicians no longer have respect for the church.
When some of the church leaders are beneficiaries of the looted funds, how do you expect them to speak the truth to the people in authority.
Unless they have a rethink, the political leadership will continue to have disregard for the church.
In another development, the cleric has proffered solution to the various factors militating against the Socio-economic growth of the Country.
He stated that holistic practice of the true federalism is the solution to series of problems facing Nigeria as a country.
He said, “The way we practice our federalism is wrong, Let each region control it’s resources and remit to the federal whatever percentage, which is true federalism.”
“Every tribe in Nigeria are agitating, but if we play true federalism, peace will reign, there will be development in all sectors and this will bring a rapid growth we’ve been yearning for.” He said.
While Speaking about the College, the Rector said, “Immanuel College was established by the Fathers of Anglican Church and Methodist Church 66 years ago.”
“These are two big Christian denominations in Nigeria. They still come together, they have their differences and they’ve been resolving it. Till today, we’re still together. We still run this school together, none of us has pulled apart. Nigerian government can also tap into this unity of purpose from our system so they can develop our country with genuine interest and love for our nation.” He said.
In their separate remarks, the Board Chairman of the College, Rt Reverend Olu Akinola, the Chairman Graduation/Award Planning Committee, Rt Reverend Ifedola Okuperi, the Alumni President Rt Reverend Jacob Ibikunle urged the graduands to be a good ambassador of the college.
The board chairman in his speech charged the newly graduands of the college to always remember Immanuel College in their dealings, noting that the College they cannot be whom they are.
While advising the graduands the Rector of the college said, “For the sake of this college always do things right in whatever position you meet yourself in the nearest future.”
Highlights of the event include cultural display and native rendition by students of the college, among others.
ALSO READ: June 12 Protest: Lagos CP, Fayoade, assures zero tolerance for lawlessness
