Akinbile-Yusuf, Taiwo and his wife, Charity

Emotions ran high at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, as the Lagos State Government honoured a former presiding Chaplain of the chapel, Venerable Femi Taiwo.

The congregation, consisting of church members, family, friends and well wishers of the cleric, sang songs after songs as they celebrated the occasion.

The state Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, who was joined by top officials of the ministry, presented a gift to Taiwo on behalf of the government.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the special service, which held for about 30 minutes, was kept under wraps, as many church members were not informed.

In May 2017, PUNCH Metro had exclusively reported that Taiwo, his wife and their two children were evicted from the vicarage after being given a 24-hour notice to quit.

Church members contributed money to buy cooking utensils for the family, even as a new accommodation was sought for them.

Taiwo had been accused of not according Bolanle, wife of then-governor Akinwunmi Ambode, preference and recognition during an anointing service.

Bolanle, with her entourage, was reported to have stormed out of the Sunday service in a fit of rage.

Efforts by women leaders in the church to persuade them to stay on were said to have been rebuffed.

Shortly after they left, the priest was served a dismissal letter by the chapel’s governing council.

The incident had generated outrage from Nigerians, who criticised the former governor and his wife for humiliating the chaplain.

Head of the African Church, Ifako Diocese, Rt. Rev. Michael Adeyemi, who seconded the cleric to the chapel, had said Mrs. Ambode committed a sacrilege.

However, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the state, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, justified the government action, saying the priest was a government employee and therefore could be fired by his employers.

Bamgbola also dissociated Bolanle from Taiwo’s sacking.

The Christian leader, however, parried questions on the propriety of the 24-hour eviction order.

Two years and six months after, the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, through the Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, honoured Taiwo.

A member of the chapel said the special service was kept secret, adding that officials of the ministry, including the commissioner, special adviser, permanent secretary and some members of staff were present.

“Everything was done very quickly too. We started with a hymn, followed by an address by the special adviser to the governor. After a brief remarks, the commissioner presented a gift to Taiwo,” he stated.

The source said though the government’s action was commendable, the Church wanted the priest to be honoured in a bigger way.

A senior official of the chapel said he got a text about the event around 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday.

He insisted that the programme was an initiative of the state government.

He stated, “I got a text stating that the ministry was coming to the chapel to honour Venerable Taiwo. Some members started sharing and spreading the message till late last night (Tuesday).

“When we arrived, the special adviser to the governor was the first to talk.

“He said something like, ‘Since I have been in Alausa, nobody has told me that you (Taiwo) stole money; nobody said you are a womaniser.’

“It was a very brief remark testifying to the integrity of the priest and I believe that was all Venerable Taiwo wanted.”

Our Correspondent learnt that the female group in the church turned out in a colourful aso ebi to mark the occasion.

The source said despite the short notice, the women mobilised and organised to wear the uniform to honour Taiwo.

A video clip sent to PUNCH Metro by the official showed the priest singing several songs of praise as he was joined by the church members in a dance.

While thanking the state governor for the honour, he appreciated Nigerians for their kind words.

Taiwo said, “I thank God for His faithfulness and the uncommon grace and rare privilege He has given to me.

“I thank the Lagos State Government and Mr. Governor, Aduramigba Iyanuoluwa Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“I appreciate you and everyone. In the midst of the storm of life, you stood by me.

“The day I was to leave here, I saw angels coming down in the form of men.

“Spontaneously, I saw members of this church come around me and providing all a man could need to survive.

“What happened that day, nobody prepared for it; nobody thought of it. But God went ahead and made the crooked way straight.

“I thank and appreciate all of you and I pray that the glory of God will shine on your lives.

“Throughout the time I spent here, I had no regrets, because you were all around me.

“That is why I cannot forget this place; I cannot forget your beautiful faces.”

https://punchng.com/lagos-govt-honours-chaplain-sacked-after-encounter-with-ambodes-wife/

Wetin Ambode no go see for government house?

Ambode my guy

APC minions were abusing and raining curses on this very chaplain.
Watch the same low lifes praise the man they berated not too long ago.

I'm beginning to think you don't need a brain if you want to be a real supporter of APC. Check any post by dead meat seller and you'd come to the same conclusion.

I wonder how Mrs ambode will feel when this news get to her.

Demonization of former Governor Ambode continues. Out of power, loss of clout.

"..God is not unfaithful to forget the Labour of your love in that you have ministered and do ministered to the saints...."-Hebrews 6:10

Patience and longsuffering truly counts.Congrats Clergyman & family.

In two years him neck Don long. I swear church business issa goal

F

Q

PapaBaby:
APC minions were abusing and raining curses on this very chaplain.
Watch the same low lives praise the man they berated not too long ago.

I'm beginning to think you don't need a brain if you want to be a real supporter of APC. Check any post by dead meat seller and you'd come to the same conclusion.

The truth people have always known am surprised you just found out

Shibaraba:
In two years him neck Don long. I swear church business issa goal

Neck long how? Not like he was out of job for the 2 years. He was posted to another parish to continue his work

Poverty don make the man long....

hmm

Operation turning of Ambodes tenure misdeed

When God turn around the captivity of Zion they be like them that dreamth.

For those who wish to know, no matter what U are going through, there is still hope, don't give up.. You are not alone on this journey. Keep pushing you will overcome.

Is life not fair to you? I know someone who can give U everlasting Peace, Joy and rest of mind, his name is Jesus.. Jesus Christ is the answer..

Accept Jesus Christ, surrender to him, rededicate yourself to Him and make Him your personal Lord and Saviour. Accept Him now, for next minute may be too late..
This is the time to rededicate your life to Christ.

Make this confession loudly. Father! Forgive me, I'm sorry, please help me, I love U, I need U, hold me Jesus!!!, my heart, my soul please take control of it right now. Lead me in your ways and teach me your path so I can forever abide in your words. Save me Lord, have mercy on me and forgive my sins in Jesus name. Amen

Thank U for saving me and thank U because U have deliver me from the bondage of sins, I know my sins has been forgiving, I give U all the praise in Jesus name.

If U make this confession with an open heart, your sins have been forgiving and the Lord has removed your name from the book of death to the book of life. He has giving u peace and everlasting joy. Ask continuously with faith any good thing U want the Lord to do for U with believe in Jesus name and he will answer you

Power/authority should be used to better the lives of others, not the other way round.

Lagos has really gone far. Lagos is far ahead of every state in Nigeria with decade's.

Lagos is so civilized that I don't know if the governor is a Muslim or a Christian.

Coz they carry everybody along

wetin PDP suppose take enter Lagos electorate that time.. Dem just waste this glorious chance back den to use this man case take shine..

ASWEAR PDP no sabi politics/opposition

Power is transient so treat people
with respect.

Wow

I heard the story of the man after the incidence that he was very well blessed by people with so much gifts everywhere.

Ambode and his wife thought they were 'doing' this man not knowing they were 'doing themselves'

The good/evil that men do live after ...

Antibodies To Ambode’s action

Funny thing be say Sanwo olu just dey score political points.
But I'm happy for the chaplain. God has wiped away the disgrace. Lesson for people..a little humility will not kill. 1st lady na even temporal title.
Dr, professor, Most beautiful, chief, na still same destination. Be nice at all times.

Ambode wife shey you see your life?

Cutefergieee:
wetin PDP suppose take enter Lagos electorate that time.. Dem just waste this glorious chance back den to use this man case take shine..

ASWEAR PDP no sabi politics/opposition

pdo is dead in Lagos

This is just rubbing it in the face of Ambode.

gbaskiboy:
Ambode wife shey you see your life?

Lol. This one weak me.

J

clarocuzioo:
Q

Q for Queen

I am not in support of either Sanwo-Olu / Ambode

But you sound incoherent, confused and not too bright.

Which party "returned the clergyman to glory"?

CPC ?

PapaBaby:
APC minions were abusing and raining curses on this very chaplain.
Watch the same low lives praise the man they berated not too long ago.

I'm beginning to think you don't need a brain if you want to be a real supporter of APC. Check any post by dead meat seller and you'd come to the same conclusion.