Episcopal visitation: Bishop Odedeji set to strengthen faith, mission in Ikotun Archdeaconry

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Excitement and high expectations have gripped clergy and laity across the 16 churches that make up Ikotun Archdeaconry of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos-West, as the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. James Odedeji, begins his episcopal visitation to the archdeaconry.

For many worshippers, the visit is far more than a routine administrative exercise. It represents a significant spiritual milestone expected to bring renewed faith, pastoral encouragement, stronger unity among congregations and a fresh commitment to the Church’s mission.

Drawing inspiration from Romans 1:11–12, many members expressed hope that the bishop’s presence would strengthen believers through mutual encouragement and spiritual impartation.

One of the pioneer members of the Anglican Church in Ikotun, Chief Joseph Oladipo, described the episcopal visitation as one of the most important events in the life of every parish.

According to him, besides assessing the spiritual and administrative health of the churches, the bishop’s visit encourages both clergy and laity while strengthening the relationship between the diocesan leadership and the faithful under the leadership of the Archdeacon, the Venerable Taiwo Olupitan.

“The bishop reviews parochial records, evaluates the progress of each parish and encourages the planting of new churches to expand the reach of the Gospel,” he said.

Established in 2008 following its creation from Idimu Archdeaconry, Ikotun Archdeaconry has grown into one of the major Anglican mission fields within the Diocese of Lagos-West.

The archdeaconry comprises 16 parishes, including St. John’s Anglican Church, Ikotun, the headquarters; Church of Pentecost, Akesan; Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikotun; Emmanuel Anglican Church, Ikotun; Christ Church, Abaranje; Church of the Ascension, Community Road; St. James, Ijagemo; St. Stephen’s, Ijegun; St. Barnabas, Ijeododo; Christ the Saviour, Isheri-Osun; Church of the Resurrection, Fagbile; Church of Messiah, Ijegun; Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Customs Bus Stop, Abaranje, among others.

While several churches within the archdeaconry have continued to record commendable growth in membership and ministry, parishioners acknowledged that some congregations still face challenges relating to sustained spiritual vitality, evangelism, membership growth and financial stability.

Among the churches frequently mentioned is Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikotun, where members believe the bishop’s visit offers a unique opportunity for renewed reflection, strategic direction and spiritual revival.

A former parishioner, Mr. Martins Adewale, expressed optimism that Bishop Odedeji would offer prayers for revival and provide guidance that would strengthen evangelism, discipleship and outreach.

He likened the expectations of members to the prayer of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:12: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

He also referred to Nehemiah’s dependence on God before rebuilding Jerusalem and Habakkuk’s passionate prayer, “O Lord, revive Your work,” as fitting expressions of the expectations of many members.

Adewale reflected on the contributions of successive clergy who have served Holy Trinity Anglican Church over the years.

He recalled that after its formative years under the leadership of Lay Reader Mrs. Susan Ejimogu-Osuzu, the church witnessed remarkable spiritual, numerical and financial growth during the ministry of Canon Mike Asomugha.

According to him, Canon Asomugha’s dynamic leadership inspired remarkable progress and strengthened the church within a relatively short period.

He was succeeded by the Venerable Francis Ojo, remembered by many members as a devoted Bible teacher and selfless shepherd whose sacrificial leadership helped preserve and consolidate the gains already achieved.

Following his retirement, the Rev. Francis Akinyemi introduced renewed emphasis on youth development, discipleship and music ministry, enriching the worship experience and attracting younger members into active church life.

The current priest, the Rev. Samuel Ogujobi, has continued to strengthen the parish through administrative reforms, spiritual formation and institutional stability while building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors.

Reflecting on the combined efforts of the clergy over the years, Adewale cited 1 Corinthians 3:6: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

He noted that although each priest had faithfully contributed according to his gifts and calling, Holy Trinity Anglican Church still possesses enormous untapped potential for numerical growth and evangelistic expansion, particularly because of its strategic location in Ikotun and the rapidly growing population of the community.

Evangelist Mark Onyemaobi shared similar sentiments, saying the revitalisation of Holy Trinity would strengthen not only the parish itself but also neighbouring churches across the archdeaconry while advancing the evangelistic vision of the Diocese.

He expressed concern that many Anglicans residing within the Ikotun area were yet to identify with the church, adding that a stronger Holy Trinity would significantly advance the Church’s commitment to the Great Commission through effective evangelism and discipleship.

Another parishioner, Mr. Femi Shobukola, expressed confidence that Bishop Odedeji’s interaction with clergy, church workers and members would provide valuable insights into the challenges confronting the archdeaconry and help develop practical strategies for strengthening existing congregations and nurturing emerging ones.

Over the years, episcopal visitations across the Diocese of Lagos-West have remained important occasions for pastoral oversight, leadership development, accountability, spiritual encouragement and greater unity among parishes.

As Bishop James Odedeji begins this important pastoral engagement in Ikotun Archdeaconry, prayers continue to rise from across the churches that the visitation will mark a new season of spiritual renewal, stronger evangelism and sustained church growth, not only within the archdeaconry but throughout the rapidly expanding Ikotun community in Alimosho Local Government Area, the largest local government area in Lagos State.