By: Tope OYEKAN

The Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, and Archbishop, Lagos Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Michael Olusina FAPE has expressed his gladness about the positive transformation recorded in the life of Venerable Shadrach Olaniyi AJILEYE, Vicar, St. James' Anglican Church, Iperu, and Archdeacon, Iperu Archdeaconry whom he said has become a new creation within the spate of ten years.

Bishop FAPE made this revelation while delivering his sermon at the holy communion thanksgiving service held at Iperu on tuesday, to commemorate the 60th birthday of the anglican clergy.

The Archbishop recalled that he was not too glad, and that he expressed his concern at the service held ten years ago to celebrate Ven. AJILEYE's fiftieth birthday. But according to him, he is presently glad to see the celebrant becoming a new creation as he grows older between the years 2013 and 2023. 

Bishop FAPE expressed his happiness that Ven. AJILEYE has been able to overcome some of his shortcomings, and thus becoming a new person entirely.

Going down the memory lane, the bishop recalled the opposition mounted against Ven. AJILEYE's transfer to Iperu ten years ago, but said he is now a happy man as those who opposed his posting to Iperu then, are now his friends, and that he knows that if he attempts to move him now, there is likely to be a protest against such.

He harped on the need to always celebrate Christ in any celebration. According to him, any celebration done outside of christ is only meant to socialise, and that when such social gatherings are organised, invited guests would only attend to wine and dine with the celebrant, and leave without giving any thanks and praise to God, who has kept and preserve the celebrant till the day of the event.  "But if you are in christ, and you celebrate in christ, you will have an unending joy," says the Bishop.

Reading from the scriptures, in the books of Philip, chapter 4 verses 1 and 4, and Psalm 146, verses 1 and 2, and speaking on the theme, "Rejoice in the Lord always", Bishop Fape reiterated the importance of giving thanks to God, and that it is only the living that can celebrate.

"I rejoice with you, and also thank God for you, because he has given you joy. I am also happy for you, because you are alive, as the dead cannot celebrate; i commend you because you are well-read, and not a push-over, academically; i also rejoice with you, because you have a beautiful home; and most importantly, because the devil has not been able to destroy your ministry. You are therefore a pride to God, and to me as your bishop, said Rt. Rev. FAPE.

Speaking at the church service, Governor ABIODUN extolled the virtues of the celebrant who he described as a very dedicated, committed, diligent, and conscientious priest. He appreciated his persistent support to his family, particularly his parents, and for standing by them, during the death and funeral of his father, the late Dr. Emmanuel ABIODUN, saying that he had almost become a part of his family. He commended him on how God has used him to elevate the church, spiritually and materially, describing the church as one that is well-looked after.

Responding, Ven Ajileye appreciated God for his grace and love for him in the past six decades, and thanked everyone for the honour done to him.

 In attendance to honour the celebrant were his family members from Oke Igbo and Ile Ife; his old school mates; the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo ABIODUN, CON; Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Toyin TAIWO; Bishops, both serving and retired, including the Bishop of Egba Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Oludaisi ADEKUNLE, Bishop of Ilesha South West, Rt. Rev. Samuel EGBEBUNMI, Bishop of Ijebu Southwest, Rt. Rev. Babatunde OGUNBANWO, Bishop of Ifo, Rt. Rev. Nathaniel OGUNDIPE, Bishop of Ijebu, Rt. Rev. Peter Rotimi OGUNDIPE, Bishop of Lagos North Diocese (Methodist Church) Rt. Rev. Gboyega OHU, Bishop of Remo (Methodist Church), Rt. Rev. Bamidele IBIKUNLE, Bishop of Remo Central (Methodist Church) Rt. Rev. Joel AKINOLA; retired Bishop of Oyo Diocese (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev. Debo FASHIPE, retired Bishop of Ondo Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo Province, Rt. Rev. George LASEBIKAN; Wife of the Bishop, Remo Anglican Diocese, Mrs. Toyin FAPE; Dean of Remo Anglican Diocese, Ven. Bamidele ADEGBUYI; Clergy from within and outside Remo Diocese, and their Wives; Royal Fathers, the Onimeji of Imeji, Iperu, Oba Kayode OLAYEBO and his wife, Olori Funmilayo OLAYEBO, and the Alariye of Ariye, Sagamu, Oba Solomon OYENUGA; St. James' Iperu Parishioners; and dignitaries, among whom were the Fathers of the Day, the Asiwaju of Remoland, Asiwaju Solomon ONAFOWOKAN, and Olotu Omoba Michael OYEDELE; the Mother of the Day, and Iyaloja General of Remoland, Chief (Mrs.) Mercy OWOLANA; the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga DANIEL, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Tunde ONADEKO; Executive Chairman, Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Olusegun OGUNLEYE, amongst other political, religious, and community leaders.