The Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, Rt Rev (Dr) Stephen Fagbemi has attributed the victory of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at the Supreme Court an unmerited Grace, noting that the judgement could have gone the other way.
He declared this yesterday when the Governor, his wife, Betty; his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, wife Oluwaseun, members of the State Executive Council, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and well wishers took to the altar to give thanks and adoration to the Lord.
The three-in-one special thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew’s Anglican Communion, Imola, Owo, was to appreciate the Almighty over their recent victories at the election petition’s tribunal, the Court of Appeal and lately the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The Bishop who spoke on “Divine Intervention in the Hour of Need”, described the Most High as merciful Who delivers His people in any situation.
He explained that it was He Who was in Akeredolu’s matter that gave him all the victories at every point of his life.
He encouraged him to continue to serve Him and the people of the state to further justify the confidence reposed in him.
“When God is in your matter, people will ask how did you do it. God has made it possible because it is God’s own project. Your opponents failed at the Tribunal, they went to the next level, they failed. They did not relent, they went to the peak and they got the same result because God was in this matter.
“If God be for us, who can be against us? God is greater than all technicalities.
“Mr Governor, I don’t know how you deserve this unmerited grace but what I know is that God has a covenant of grace and mercy with your family. But for God, this judgement could have gone the other way.
“I believe that God remembered His covenant with your family. He remembered His covenant not only with your father but also with your grandfather. That man, one of the earliest christians in Owo town, sacrificed even the pleasure of his family.
“Out of this came your own father who also was a clergyman. He served God in his time. The prayers they said then, God is answering them now. Even in your own time you have offered yourself to serve God and you will never deviate,” he added.
He said God has been merciful to the Governor and the people of the state, saying He had dealt wondrously with the state.
The Bishop who noted that Ondo state is a covenant state also cautioned politicians against being desperate to occupy political position, saying God is the giver of position.
Fagbemi who equally lauded the Governor for his achievements in terms of infrastructural and industrial developments as well as protection of lives and property of the citizenry, further encouraged him to build enduring legacy in the state.
He congratulated the Governor, his wife, the deputy Governor and wife for the series of victories both at the governorship poll and the various courts, saying that only the fool would say there is no God.
In his remarks, Governor Akeredolu, who was full of joy said all he has to say was to thank God for the various miracles.
“The most important thing to do now is to thank God. God made it possible, not anybody. We won at the Tribunal, we won at the Court of Appeal and we also won at the Supreme Court. It is good to thank God,” he stressed.
Akeredolu explained that the thanksgiving was to fulfil his pledge to God, promising to continue to redeem his covenant with God, even as he encouraged others to do same.
While thanking the people of the state who gave him their mandate, the Governor also appreciated his legal team for doing a good job. He promised to continue his developmental projects across the state just as he solicited the support and prayers of all.
He said the prayers of the religious leaders have been answered over him, urging them to sustain it for more development in the state.
At a grand reception for guests and well wishers held at Midas Hotels and Resorts, Owo- Ikare Road, Owo, The All Progressives Party, APC, Acting chairman, Ade Adetimehin and the Minister of State for Niger-Delta Affairs, Tayo Alasoadura, appreciated God for not allowing enemies to rejoice over the party and people.
The Hope
