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IDANRE MISSIONARY DIOCESE MARKS HISTORIC MILESTONE WITH FIRST SYNOD IN 131 YEARS of CHRISTIANITY
By Folu Olamiti FNGE, JP
A new chapter in the history of Christianity in Idanreland unfolded as the Missionary Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held the First Session of its First Synod, marking a landmark moment in 131 years of Christian witness in the ancient community.
The historic gathering, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul on Mission Road, represented a succession of unprecedented milestones for the Diocese. For the first time since Christianity was introduced to Idanreland more than a century ago, the region witnessed its First Session of The First Council Conference (Synod), first diocesan Bishop, first Chancellor, first Deputy Chancellor, first Registrar and first Solicitor.
The three-day event commenced with a solemn Holy Communion service presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt Revd Olubode Otenaike, PhD, and assisted by the Dean of the Cathedral, the Venerable Blessing A. Aregbesola. The service attracted clergy, delegates and worshippers from across the Diocese, while five Anglican bishops attended in solidarity, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
For many delegates, the Synod represented a deeply emotional and long-awaited moment. Their enthusiasm was evident in the impressive turnout that filled the cathedral and its surroundings.
Traditional institutions were also represented at the event, with the Regent of Idanre, High Chief Akinloye Akinboni, and the Olori of Atoshin, Beatrice Ogunlowo , among the distinguished guests who graced the opening ceremony.
A defining moment of the Eucharistic service was the sermon delivered by the Rt Revd RVA Adepoju, PhD, whose message resonated strongly with the congregation.
Bishop Adepoju described the occasion as particularly emotional for him, noting that he was privileged to be the first bishop to preach at the first Synod of the newly established Diocese. He also reflected on his personal journey, describing it as his first opportunity to mount the pulpit after navigating a difficult period in his episcopal ministry – a challenge he said was overcome through God’s grace.
Preaching on the Synod theme, *“My Lord and My God,”* drawn from the Gospel according to John 20:28, he urged delegates and church members to place unwavering trust in God as the young Diocese continues to establish itself.
He recalled the challenging path that led to the creation and growth of the Diocese, stressing that divine intervention had made the present achievement possible.
“If not for God, what we are witnessing here today would not have been possible,” he said.
Drawing lessons from the biblical account of Thomas, often remembered as the doubting disciple, Bishop Adepoju encouraged believers not to allow uncertainty or fear to weaken their faith.
According to him, there should no longer be any doubt about the reality and future of the Diocese.
“The Diocese has come into being, and from what we have seen, its growth has exceeded expectations,” he told the congregation.
The bishop further reflected on Thomas’s declaration after encountering the risen Christ – *“My Lord and My God”* – describing it as an expression of sincere faith born out of honest struggle, doubt and eventual conviction.
He reminded worshippers that God welcomes believers who bring their weaknesses, questions and aspirations before Him with sincerity.
According to him, such faith has the capacity to unlock extraordinary possibilities, particularly for a Diocese still laying the foundations for future generations.
As the inaugural Synod drew delegates together in prayer, reflection and planning, many participants viewed the event not merely as an ecclesiastical gathering but as a defining moment in the spiritual history of Idanreland — one that signals a new era of growth, leadership and Christian witness for the Anglican Communion in the area.
For church leaders and faithful alike, the First Synod of the Idanre Missionary Diocese will be remembered as a historic milestone that transformed decades of aspiration into reality and charted a course for the future of Anglican ministry in the region.
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