Anglican bishop urges FG to rescue abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

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The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, has called on the Federal Government not to relent in its efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying their continued captivity was becoming increasingly alarming.

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Odedeji made the appeal while speaking with journalists shortly after the installation of Venerable Emmanuel Kolawole as the seventh Dean of the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday.

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Also instituted as canons during the service were Revd Canons Tope Fashogbon, Innocent Okonkwo, Lekan Daramola, Samson Ogabi, Michael Fagbemi, Richard Oke and Ibikunle Opeyemi.

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The ceremony, held at the cathedral premises, was attended by Anglican priests, former deans of the cathedral, principal officers of the Diocese of Lagos West and other members of the laity.

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Expressing concern over the prolonged captivity of the victims, the bishop said the government must act urgently to secure their freedom.

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“It is over 50 days that these children and their teachers have been in the den of kidnappers. This is getting scary. We should all put ourselves in the shoes of the loved ones of these people. The government has no excuse. The children must be rescued,” he said.

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Odedeji suggested that concerns over possible collateral damage might be delaying rescue efforts but urged the government to seek international assistance if necessary.

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“But we were all in this country when the Americans came to rescue their people who were kidnapped some years ago in Nigeria, and there was no collateral damage. Their people were rescued unhurt. Our government should reach out for possible help from other countries, especially the US,” he said.

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Earlier during the installation service, Odedeji, preaching on the theme “God Demands Total Obedience,” described the new dean as an honest, resilient and respectful minister whose faithfulness had earned him greater responsibilities in the church.

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The bishop recounted how Kolawole had once contemplated resigning from full-time ministry because of frustration but was persuaded to remain.

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“He once came to seek an audience with me while I was serving as the dean. We got talking. He told me several things and said to me he was tired and wanted to resign. I was just laughing. I took the letter from him and tore it. After we talked, I took him to the altar, held his hands, and we prayed together for about four hours,” Odedeji said.

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“He broke down in tears. I did not know I was going to be a Bishop then. Less than a year later, I was elected Bishop, and I appointed him acting Archdeacon of Egbe Archdeaconry. And God used him mightily to transform that place.”

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According to the bishop, Kolawole subsequently made significant contributions in other postings, including at Archdeacon Ogunbiyi Memorial Anglican Church, where he also transformed the parish.

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Speaking on obedience, Odedeji said Christians must submit completely to God’s will rather than seek to negotiate with Him.

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“We live at a time when people want to serve God on their own terms. We want to negotiate with God. But the truth is that for a follower of Christ, obedience is not an option. It is proof of a genuine relationship with God. It means allowing the will of God to swallow our own will,” he said.

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He acknowledged that obedience to God could be difficult because of human nature and societal pressures.

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“We find it difficult to obey God because what He asks us to do sometimes may not align with common sense. With God, one plus one may not be two. The Bible, however, makes us understand that if we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land,” he added.

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Odedeji further noted that many people fail to obey God because they fear public opinion and persecution, citing the biblical example of Pontius Pilate, who handed Jesus over to be crucified despite finding no fault in Him.

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“People also find it difficult to obey God because of the fear of being persecuted. They are afraid their obedience will lead to negative reactions from people,” he said.

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The bishop, however, assured the congregation that obedience remains the pathway to greatness.

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“When you obey God fully, your place in His kingdom is guaranteed. It also guarantees fruitfulness in God’s vineyard,” he said.

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Highlighting Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac as an example of “uncommon obedience,” Odedeji urged the new dean to remain focused on his calling and not become distracted by titles or positions.

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“What should matter more to you is the testimony of a changed life and the desire to make more impact in God’s vineyard, not the title. As humans, we are rarely satisfied with titles; the quest is always there to acquire one after another. What is truly important is your testimony of impact,” he said.

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