COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE TWENTIETH SYNOD OF EKITI ANGLICAN DIOCESE (CHURCH OF NIGERIA, ANGLICAN COMMUNION) HELD AT THE DIOCESAN CAMP GROUND, ODO URO, IYIN-EKITI, FROM FRIDAY, 25TH TO SUNDAY, 27TH APRIL, 2025,
HOSTED BY THE DIOCESE.

Introduction

The second session of the twentieth Synod of Ekiti Anglican Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), met under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of the Rt. Revd. Dr. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, President of the Synod, with his wife, Mrs Abimbola Bolarinwa Ajayi, Diocesan President of the Women’s Organisation, from Friday, 25th to Sunday, 27th April, 2025. The Theme of the Synod is Touch not my anointed
(Psalm 105:15).

The Synod was honoured with the presence of the Rt. Revd. Dr. & Mrs. Cornelius Adagbada, Bishop of Ekiti West Diocese, Rt. Revd. Prof. & Mrs. Jeremiah Shitu, Methodist Bishop of Ado Diocese, Rt. Revd. & Mrs. M.O., Ipinmoye (rtd.), Rt. Revd. I.O. Olubowale, (Bishop of Ekiti-Oke Diocese) and Rt. Revd. Dr. & Mrs. Adegoke Agara, Bishop of Idoani Diocese, who led the Bible Study and also preached at both the opening and closing services respectively, as well as the Legal Luminaries and Royal Fathers.

The Synod had in attendance: one member from the House of Bishops; 206 members of the House of Clergy, and 392 members from the House of Laity, totaling 598 members.

The Theme of the Synod

The theme of the Synod, Touch not my anointed (Psalm 105:15) was extensively addressed at the Synod.

Without gainsaying, the theme is germane to contemporary issues in the world today, and in particular to our nation Nigeria, where most of those in the pastoral ministry often monopolized the word, the anointed and brag about with this superficial nomenclature.

In the real sense of it, the anointed here refers to all believers (1Pet. 2:9) who are in genuine communion without discrimination or sectionalism (Acts 2:46), show their love for God by doing His will (John 14:15), are givers (Acts 2:44-45), burden bearers (Prov. 24:22), lovers of peace and unity (Matt. 5:9), and only live for God.

Examples of such include David, Daniel, Mordecai, and Jacob.

We were warned not to use the theme ‘touch not my anointed’ as a means of insulating ourselves from critiques or criticisms. However, the theme is also a warning from God not to oppose His anointed ones, because this will be a direct battle against God Himself which is dangerous, as no one can battle with the Lord and win!

Therefore as God’s anointed people, we are to reflect the anointing of God upon us in holy living, truthfulness, godliness, tenderness, evangelism and other godly virtues in our character and our interpersonal relationship with all people around us.

Evangelism

The Synod discussed extensively on the state of evangelism in the Diocese and Christendom at large and concluded that evangelism should henceforth be more intentional, pragmatic and joyful. Churches should be made to grow more, through caring, welfare, quality godly lifestyle as well as having the burden for lost souls.

The President of Synod therefore charged all Clergy to strengthen the Sheep of God and as well, develop their faith in the finished work of Christ.

State of The Nation

The Diocesan, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, recognizing the fact that our nation, Nigeria, is a very complex entity, commended the efforts of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, in tackling the debilitating issues of insecurity, poverty, incessant killing across the nation and mass unemployment that are currently plaguing the nation.

He appealed to all Christians in Nigeria to keep the country in their daily prayers and as well urged the President not to rest on his laurels but to redouble his efforts at tackling the multi-facet problems of the nation and that the President should surround himself with individuals who resonate with his vision and aspirations for a more prosperous Nigeria.

The Diocesan also encouraged all citizens of Nigeria not to give up, lose hope, or see the difficulties of the country as an excuse, but should be determined to make it, and excel against all odds.

Economy

The Synod observed with dismay, the economic challenges that threaten the growth, prospects, and stability of the nation. Most especially, the exchange rate of the Naira against other international currencies, as well as the fluctuation in the prices of petrol and other petroleum products.

Changing the leadership might not just be enough but a pragmatic approach in alleviating the problems should be adopted.

Insecurity

The Synod also urged the Federal Government as well as governments at all levels to rise to their responsibilities by critically looking into the proper profiling of criminals, bandits and terrorists, instead of confusing their activities with those of legitimate businesses.

The Synod also observed that for fair play, government should avoid double standards in governance due to political affiliations. It was also suggested that the Federal government should see to effective policing across the nation and encourage every Nigerian to be his/her brother’s (and sister’s) keeper.

Food Security

The Synod frowned at the hoarding of food items and other essential commodities for high power profits, everyday increment in the prices of goods, services, and food items in our markets are too alarming and needless.

Infrastructural Development and Skills Acquisition

The Synod commended the efforts of Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency, Biodun Abiodun Oyebanji in the area of welfare and infrastructural development, and as Oliver Twist, encourage him to do more.

The Synod equally appreciated the Federal government for establishing Skills Acquisition Centres as well as Entrepreneurial Centres to train our youths in various vocations in the bid to enable them become self-employed while providing the necessary take-off grants for them.

Women should also be empowered and further encouraged towards the propagation of the Gospel while youths and young children should also be brought up in the ways of Christ. The Synod also appealed to all youths to be more vibrant in this world of technological advancement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Synod passionately urged the people of God to know that it is only when we give our lives to Christ Jesus and continue to live for Him and Him alone that we can become the ‘anointed of God’ and once we are God’s anointed, our protection and prosperity in life are guaranteed, because without Him, we can do nothing.

Acknowledged by:

Ven. Prof. Sam. Akin. Jegede
Chairman

Ven. Prof. Olugbenga O. Amu
Secretary

The Rt. Revd. Dr. Andrew Olusola Ajayi
President of Synod / Diocesan Bishop of Ekiti