By Ayodele Abere
The new Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti South Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt Reverend Francis Olanrewaju Bankole and his wife, Prof. (Mrs) Mercy Adenike Bankole, have been hosted by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, and his wife, Erelu Omolara Olanipekun.
The occasion which took place at Ikere-Ekiti, the home town of the renowned legal practitioner drew members and non-members of the Anglican church from within and outside Ekiti state.
Chief Olanipekun advised that the new diocese to be headed by Rt Reverend Bankole should be seen as belonging to no person. He remarked, “it is not a one-man show, it is the property of the Holy Spirit, it is the church of God, it does not belong to me, It does not belong to the bishop, it does not belong to the parishioners, but belongs to God”.
He said the church will practice one God, one bible, one gospel. Adding that the entire members will have total and undisguised fidelity to the Bishop. “We are pledging to you our hundred percent support. We are pledging to you our love. And to you and your wife, we say welcome”. Olanipekun described the gathering as one rejoicing with the bishop.
He presented him with the Cheque signaling the payment for his 14 months salary in advance starting from November, 2025 to December 2026.
The new Bishop, Rt Rev. Bankole, appreciated Chief Olanipekun for honour done him and his wife. He said the legal practitioner is God-sent. To him, God raises icons and great people for every generation. And that the host is one of those God used for his promotion to the current level.
Chief Olanipekun also used the opportunity to honour the retired Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Ekiti State, Bishop Ajayi with an undisclosed amount handed over to him in cheque.
