Kunle Adelabu
-Seyi Adelabu bows out 6 years after as Cathedral Secretary
The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, during its annual Vestry Meeting on Sunday, November, elected new Executive Council and Trustees that will steer the ship of the Church for the next two years.
At meeting, which was held inside the Cathedral Church auditorium, Engr. Sunday Adesanya Oshin was re – elected and returned unopposed as the Cathedral Warden.
Also returned unopposed are: Mr Sotuminu O. Oludemi (Treasurer), Mr Abiodun A. Osho (Vestry Secretary), Mr Adekunle Eniola Bada (Provost Warden), Barr. Olajide A. Abiodun (Legal Adviser), Mrs. Temitope Bada (Assistant Vestry Secretary), Mrs Adeyinka Majekodunmi (Publicity Secretary), Evangelist Mrs O.O. Ilubanwo (Medical Adviser), Mr Olukayode Bilewu, FCA, (Auditor I), and Mr Abayomi Anibaba (Auditor 2).
Other new elected officers who are also elected unopposed are: Prince Adesoji A. Alagbe (Cathedral Secretary), Mrs Oluwaseyi Abiodun Osho (Financial Secretary), Mr Olugbenga Sowemimo (Verger) and Mrs Aderoju Shobowale (Archdeaconry Secretary).
Elder A. O. Abiodun, a retired Principal and former People’s Warden of the Church was also unanimously returned as the Trustee of the Cathedral Church. He was elected alongside two others as Trustees – Elder Samuel Adesina Apanisile and Mrs Hene Talabi, who replaced two late former Trustees.
Meanwhile, Mr Seyi Adelabu, who had served for three consecutive terms of six years (2017 to 2023), bowed out of the Cathedral Council with commendations and acknowledgement of his commitment, dedication and untiring efforts in keeping the secretariat of the Church.
During the Vestry, he handed over the report of the Church Cathedral to his successor, Prince Adesoji A. Alagbe, to continue where he stopped.
The immediate past Cathedral Secretary, who also spoke on behalf the outgone council, thanked the Church congregation for their support.
“On behalf of the Executive/Management Team, I want to express our appreciation to the Cathedral Council and the entire congregation of this Church, for their support and trust in our ability to administer the affairs of the Church thus far. It is hoped that this support and trust will continue in the coming administrative session and beyond”, he said.
On his own, Adelabu appreciated the Church for the confidence reposed in him for electing him for the three consecutive terms.
“On a personal note, please, permit me to say a few words of appreciation as I bow out of this exalted office of the Cathedral Secretary. First and foremost, my becoming the Cathedral Secretary in August 2017, is something I hold very dear to my heart, not because of the recognition that the office offers, but the overwhelming acceptance of the Church to allow that office to be taken unopposed for 3 consecutive terms of 6 years”, he said.
“This is an indication of wholesome acceptance of my personality, and pure love for me by members of the church. As mentioned in the Vestry report held in 2018, it is something I did not take for granted and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.
“My heart of gratitude goes to the Cathedral Executive Members of Y2017-2021 (4years) and Y2021-2023 (2years) that I served with to administer the Church. Although, they may be too many to name them all, I would be able to identify a selected few. I give thanks to the two Diocesan Bishops I worked with: The Rt. Revd. Akin Ajayi (August 2017– June 2020) and the Rt. Rev. Hezekiah A. Adetoro, JP (July 2020 – November 2023). I sincerely appreciate their time, moral and spiritual advice, and co-operation.
“Despite the diverse leadership philosophies, I was able to learn quite a lot from both spiritual leaders. I also appreciate all of the Ministers who have been and are continuing serving in the Cathedral since 2017. I appreciate your support, moral and spiritual guidance. May the Almighty God of Bethel, continue to strengthen you.
The outgone Secretary, who listed chieftains of the Cathedral, present and past Wardens and members of the immediate past executives for appreciation, singled out the former Trustee of the Church, Elder Okeowo and a former Cathedral Secretary, Mr Adelabu Olumide, for the unflinching support that they rendered althrough his tenure.
“I can’t help but to express my sincere gratitude to the former Secretaries of the Church, notably my mentor, Elder (Dr.) T.A.G. Okeowo, JP, and my dear, Brother Olumide A. Adelabu, for being by my side from the first day I took office to the very last day. They served as my support system even when the journey became so tough. There is absolutely no way I can repay both of you”, he said.
