A Senior Advocate of Nigeria [SAN], Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, on Sunday called for a shift towards people-centred leadership as a critical step to tackling insecurity and fostering genuine development in Nigeria.
Ayorinde made the appeal during the Easter service and send-off ceremony for the retiring Bishop of Ibadan, The Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa, held at the Cathedral of St. James the Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The Deputy Chancellor of the church reflected on national issues while praising the retiring bishop’s decades of dedicated service. He stressed that Nigeria urgently needs leaders who prioritise the welfare of citizens over politics.
“Insecurity persists largely because of the disconnect between government and the people. Leadership must go beyond symbolic gestures. There is no real government involvement in the lives of the people. It is more than incidents happening and leaders visiting for a few minutes before moving on. We must be actively involved in the lives of the people. That is the only way to tackle insecurity,” Ayorinde said.
He further noted that Nigerians are in dire need of hope, lamenting that many citizens are disillusioned by current socio-economic realities.
“Nigeria, let us have hope that things will be better. We need leaders to be sensitive to the plight of the people. Governance must have a human face,” he added.
Ayorinde also decried excessive politicking at the expense of development, insisting that leaders must prioritise citizens’ welfare.
“What we see now is politics and more politics, while the masses are not happy. We need development. Leadership must focus on improving the lives of the people,” he said, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable.
“In leadership, we must put their feet to the fire. Let them answer questions. That is how Nigeria can become better,” he added.
Reflecting on Bishop Akinfenwa’s legacy, Ayorinde described him as a devoted servant of God whose contributions to the ministry would be deeply missed.
“He iss a great man of God. He has done everything God would ask him to do in the ministry. We will surely miss him,” he said, expressing hope that his successor would sustain and build on his legacy.
During the ceremony, Bishop Akinfenwa called on all stakeholders to ensure peace across the country. He also urged the government to urgently address the fuel price hike, noting that Nigerians could no longer bear the burden.
Members of the church and various groups eulogised the retiring bishop. Chairman of the Retirement Committee, Baba Niyi Ogunsola, noted that his life symbolised a legacy shaped by the bishop, adding that he had touched lives in many ways through personal commitment and transformative impact, and had laboured faithfully in the service of God.
Mama Adenike Osoba described him and his wife as a great blessing to the diocese and congregation, expressing hope that his virtues of humility and generosity would continue to inspire others even after his retirement.
Chief Femi Majekodumi said the bishop personified grace, describing him as charming, easy-going and divinely positioned to do good works.
Prof. Soji Adejumo also praised the retiring cleric, describing him as erudite and a Doctor of Letters, noting that his teachings were profound enough to constitute scholarly work, while highlighting his roles as an evangelist, choir master and diplomat.
The Cathedral Youth Forum, Youth Christian Society, and other church groups also paid tributes to Bishop Akinfenwa’s enduring influence on the community and the church.
