The Methodist Archbishop of Igbobini Archdiocese/Diocese, His Grace, The Most Dr. O.O.C Fafeyiwa, had called on all Christians across the globe to emulate Simon the Leper who gave the best of his services to Christ. He made these remarks at a special service to celebrate and commemorate the Triumphant Entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem, known as Palm Sunday on Sunday, 28th March 2021, at Methodist Church Nigeria, Idepe. Also, it was a thanksgiving service of Dame Princess, Oladuni Odu (KJW) for her appointment as the new Sectary to the State Government (SSG) by the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).
According to the erudite Archbishop, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Passion Week, which is the last week of Jesus’ earthly Ministry. It was on a day like this that Jesus rode a colt to Jerusalem which symbolizes His royalty and humility. The palm is also a symbol of victory! Therefore, every true believer must be grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for the victory He has given through the supreme sacrifice of His own life.
While dwelling on the THEME and TEXT of his sermon: “Give your best to God” (Mark 14:3-9), Simon the Leper provided a meal for Jesus and others with Him in appreciating what Christ had done for him. So also Mary Magdalene whom Christ had delivered of seven demons. She brought a very beautiful alabaster containing a costly precious ointment and anointed Jesus at the feet and poured the ointment on His body. Judas Iscariot was surprised and suggested that such ointment ought to be sold and be given to the poor. Unfortunately, he was fighting for his own purse. It behooves on anyone who has received anything from God to give back the best to God as a means of thanksgivings. Such thanksgivings must be appreciable and acceptable to God. Part of what we must give to God is our talents, treasures, and time. All these belong to God!
The Most Rev Dr. O.O.C Fafeyiwa congratulated Dame Oladunni Odu on her elevation as the first female to be appointed as the Sectary to the State Government in the history of Ondo State. He charged and challenged her to do more for God more than what she had done in the past. Because the appointment was divine out of many who perhaps are more qualified than her. He (Archbishop) encouraged Dame Oladunni Odu to use her position as a stakeholder in Ondo State Government to better the lots of Ikaleland and Ondo South at large. This should be carried out in consultation with the prominent politicians and paramount traditional rulers of Ikaleland.
He thanked the governor of Ondo State on his position/stance concerning the herdsmen, killings, and kidnappings. Also, for his concerns on the aftermaths of end SARS protest that resulted in the destruction of public places and properties in Okitipupa. However, Archbishop Fafeyiwa appealed to the State Government on the non-payment of gratuities and allowances of pensioners. “The pensioners are suffering”, he affirmed. In her brief speech Dame Princess Oladunni Odu (KJW) expressed her profound gratitude to God and her benefactor the Governor of Ondo State His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN), for her appointment. According to her what God did for her is the act of divine favour! She implored the good people of Ondo State to always pray for the Governor for a successful second term in office. Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration is keen about infrastructural developments, employment opportunities and total well-being of the citizens in the state. The only challenge is the wherewithal in bringing these to realisation!
The service was well attended by the traditional rulers, political bigwigs, grassroots politicians, market women, the Akindele dynasties of Idepe-Okitipupa, friends and well-wishers of Dame Princess Oladunni Odu (KJW).
