Owo Anglican Diocese Condemns Attacks On Bishop Following Criticism Of Lawmaker

Owo, Ondo State – The Anglican Diocese of Owo has strongly condemned the barrage of abusive statements directed at Bishop Stephen Fagbemi following his critique of the performance of House of Representatives member, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe.

In a statement released yesterday, the Diocese described the reactions from Adelegbe’s supporters as a symptom of widespread moral decay.

The statement, titled “The Challenge of Leadership: A Call for Decorum and Godly Wisdom,” praised Bishop Fagbemi for his restraint in the face of provocation.

The Bishop’s comments, delivered during a remembrance service for the late Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, were perceived as a gentle admonition regarding Adelegbe’s perceived poor performance.

However, this led to a fierce backlash from Adelegbe’s supporters, including his media team, who unleashed a torrent of personal attacks against the Bishop on social media.

The Diocese’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Adesoye Ajayi, stated that accusations labelling the Bishop as a liar reflected a worrying trend of rejecting constructive criticism.

“The Bishop’s remarks were intended as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth,” Ajayi explained.

“But unfortunately, in our current climate, such counsel is often met with resistance.”

The Diocese appealed directly to elders within the Diocese with connections to Hon. Adelegbe to intervene and urge the lawmaker to rein in his media aides.

They expressed gratitude for Bishop Fagbemi’s “godly wisdom” and “courageous leadership” in handling the situation.

The incident highlights growing concerns about the increasingly hostile political climate in Nigeria, where constructive criticism is often met with vitriol rather than self-reflection.

The Diocese’s statement serves as a call for greater decorum and a return to a more respectful public discourse.