The Vicar and Archdeacon of Molete Archdeaconry, Diocese of Ibadan (Anglican Communion), Ven. Olusegun Faleye has called on Nigerian leaders to learn humility, moderation, selflessness, and honesty in their dealings.
He emphasised that these virtues would encourage the younger generation to lead holy lives and inspire the masses to live righteously.
Speaking during his sermon at St. Anne’s Church, Molete, Ibadan on Sunday, in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Ibadan Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Faleye lamented the socio-political and economic challenges in Nigeria.
He preached against impersonation and dishonesty, reminding everyone that worldly achievements are temporary.
The Vicar advised leaders on the importance and advantages of being honest, not being proud, and avoiding impersonation, drawing parallels to John the Baptist in the Bible, who humbly acknowledged that he was not the expected Christ despite his great deeds.
He said: “I am not the Christ you are expecting. I am just His forerunner. As you are honouring me when Christ comes, you will see that I cannot even unbuckle His sandals”.
Reading from the Book of John Chapter 1, verses 19-28, the Vicar said: “John just came to fulfill his role as a forerunner, fore bearer and herald of Christ. He was the official messenger of Christ. Many of us who are Men of God arrogate to ourselves what we are not.
“Some even present themselves as Christ himself. We should learn to be humble. Many of us Pastors, GOs, Reverends, Apostles, and Bishops believe that younger ones must be suppressed and not allowed to grow if they perform well.
“Whenever any miracle is done, be it real or fake, all radio stations must air it; all television stations must broadcast it. Some will even preach and when the congregants don’t clap for them, they compel them to clap.
“All this is profane. John in the Bible tells us that all the things we run after in life are just temporal. So, as leaders, we should always live an exemplary life of honesty, humility, love, and transparency, while also encouraging others to live”, Faleye urged.
The Vicar therefore hinted at some signs of end-time which everybody must be wary of, among them: “age of technology; the spread of the gospel; environmental challenges including climate change and even COVID-19; fake miracles, as well as, lovelessness”.
The Christian lawyers among the congregants who were addressed in the sermon included: the Vice Chairman of the Ibadan NBA Branch, Mr. Kehinde Oyewale, who led other lawyers including Prof. John Akintayo (Dean of the Faculty, of Law, University of Ibadan, who is also a former Chairman of the Branch); Pa Mathew Adepoju (NBA Patron); Mr. Olayinka Esan (ex-Chairman); Mr. Ademola Ademidun, Mr. Yomi Aliu (SAN), and the Chief Registrar, Mrs. Ogunrin, who represented the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, among others.