History was made in the ancient town of Idanre, Ondo state on Sunday 14th, January 2024 as the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria , MCN, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Aba has inaugurated the Idanre Diocese of the church and enthroned the first Bishop, Right Reverend Matthew Falade.
Also inaugurated was the pioneer Lay president of the Diocese, Chief Akinbamidele Akinnagbe, the permanent secretary, Ondo state universal basic education board.
The atmosphere in and around the Methodist cathedral, Idale, Idanre was that of excitement and celebration as faithful could not hide their joy, having the first diocese of the church in the ancient town after so many years.
At the well attended inauguration ceremony, the Prelate, Dr Aba emphasized that it was only God that ordain and put people in positions of authority.
After the enthronement, the new Bishop Rt. Rev’d Falade performed his first duty of presenting the pioneer Lay President of the diocese, Chief Akinbamidele Akinnagbe to the congregation and delivered the sermon titled, ” Messenger of destiny”
He pointed out that there were predestined paths for people already chosen by God for certain purposes citing examples of Samuel, Jabez, Joseph and others .
Bishop Falade specifically called on the Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa to lead the people with the fear of God.
The cleric also sought the support of faithful in Idanre and vowed to embark on vigorous evangelism with focus on infrastructural development of the church in Idanre.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the Owa of Idanre, Oba Frederick Adegunle Aroloye represented by Olori Gbembola Aroloye and Olori Iyabo Aroloye, the Awosuye of Atosin Idanre, Oba Gilbert Olakunle Ogunlowo, Olori Beatrice Ogunlowo , Olori Mary Ogunlowo, Oba Edward Osunsade, the baba ijo of methodist church idanre, Chief Kola Ademujimi and the General Manager, Positive FM Akure, Mrs Olubunmi Olalere represented by the station’s Chief Internal Auditor, Miss Enitan Egbontan.
Others are, Ondo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Victor Amoko, Two permanent secretaries in Ondo state civil service, Mr. Tunji Akinnadeju and Mr. Anthony Omolakin as well as a former member of the Ondo house of assembly, Hon. Dejo Adeloye.