By Abiodun KOMOLAFE

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel in Okesa, Ado Ekiti, the Standing Committee Meeting of the Anglican Communion elected the Ven. (Dr.) Ebenezer Ajayi Adewole as the pioneering Bishop of the new Diocese of Lagos South West, with his seat at the Cathedral Church of the Pentecost, FESTAC, Lagos.

Adewole was one of the fifteen newly elected bishops. He was consecrated on November 9, 2025, at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Life Camp, Abuja, while he and the new Diocese were inaugurated and enthroned, respectively, on November 25, 2025, in the new Cathedral.

A total of fifteen new Dioceses were created - five full Dioceses and ten Missionary Dioceses. With the latest addition, the Lagos metropolis now has six Anglican Dioceses, with Badagry and Ota‑Awori joining the existing ones. Nationwide, the Church of Nigeria’s total has risen to 176 Dioceses after the recent 15‑Diocese expansion.

The Diocese of Lagos was created in 1919; Lagos West, in 1999; Lagos Mainland, in 2006; and Lagos South West, in 2025. The new Diocese comprises the FESTAC, Amuwo-Odofin, and Iba Archdeaconries, with a total of twenty-six churches. Crucially, the Diocese covers a fast and densely populated area with significant land allocated for further church expansion.

Having been spiritually empowered, Adewole has since rolled out his vision and mission statements for the new Diocese. This vision is deeply rooted in the mandate to spread the faith and the promise of divine guidance, aligning with Jesus' command that “we are called to be witnesses, starting from our own community and extending to the ends of the earth.”

To fulfill this mandate, his mission outlines a comprehensive strategy focusing on how the Diocese intends to execute this vision. Beginning right within the Diocese itself, the strategy focuses on four key areas of ministry: Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, Aggressive Discipleship, Growing and Empowering Church Sub-Groups, and Engagement with the Government at all Levels.

Immediately following his enthronement, Bishop Adewole appointed Barrister Mrs. Modupe Akinwande, who previously chaired the Proposed Diocese Implementation Committee, as the new Diocese's Chancellor.

Born in Kano on October 12, 1971, to parents of Ondo origin, Adewole has dedicated his life to service. He was made a Deacon in 2001 and ordained a priest a year later. He served curacy in Ifon-Osun before his brief transfer to Ekusa in Osun State.

By 2003, his ministry started gaining recognition for its revival, spiritual depth and pastoral care, which took him to All Saints’ Cathedral, Osogbo, and eventually, to the demanding Diocese of Lagos West, Lagos. There, he worked tirelessly, first at St. John's (the Evangelist) Church, Akowonjo.

His commitment earned him the appointment as Administrator of Satellite Archdeaconry and Vicar of St. John's Church, Satellite Town, under the See of the Rt. Rev'd (Dr.) James Odedeji. Following a brief stint as the Archdeacon of Opebi Archdeaconry, he became the Dean of the prestigious Archbishop Vining Church Cathedral, G.R.A., Ikeja, Lagos. He served in this capacity until his eventual election as Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos South West.

He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Folasade, and their marriage is blessed with children.

A stalwart of spiritual and community life, Adewole has been doing a stellar job not only in the upliftment of souls spiritually and mentally but also in getting them to be enthusiastic about community living and contributions. It is important to state that the congregation has been enamoured of his activities.

May the Stone of Israel grant the Rt. Rev’d Ebenezer Ajayi Adewole the courage to lead, the discernment to govern, and the humility to serve!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

• Komolafe can be reached via email: ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk, Mobile: 08033614419 (SMS only).

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