MOULDING A DIVINE CONCEPT, APOSTLES OF PEACE, INTO A RESOURCEFUL ORGANIZATION (20 YEARS OF GRACE) BY THE FOUNDER, SIYANBOLA ADERINOLA OLADAPO
We are not just counting the 20 years of our establishment but what we have achieved, because we know that It is not the years we lived that count. It's the life in our years."
There was a conflict in me 20 years ago.
The conflict arose from my perceptions of the practice then in our glorious Church, where the House of Laity arrogates power to themselves, despite clearly spelt out roles for both the House of Clergy and House of Laity in the Anglican Communion. They often forget the Church is a place of worship and not a place to exhibit such mundane power over spiritual matters.
I am qualified to make this observation having been an active Christian in the Anglican Communion. I was born an Anglican in my native town of Ile Ife, Osun State and started attending St. Pauls Anglican Church, Ishagatedo, Isolo Lagos State in 1989. My understanding of Christianity in my formative years serving as a member of Boys Brigade and Chorister was at variance with what I was experiencing in Lagos. I started serving as a member of Guild of Stewards in January, 1990 which gave me an insight to the ‘authorities’ in our parish church and the enormous power and influence they wielded. It must however be put on record that these people indeed contributed so much and labored for the church to make the building inviting and be seen as a standard church. The church was like a family church, a well bonded people, where for fear of offence, people who hold contrary opinion are self-restrained as no one was ready to offend the ‘’influential and the privileged’’ ones.
I reflect now as the conflict in me then grew into an agitation and a yearning for a Peaceful change and equity.
Apostles of Peace Society wasn’t a concept borne out of spirit of arrogance or naughtiness of heart but rather a total submission and surrender to God’s call, God’s directive, and God’s unquestionable will , to use me for a divine assignment. The journey therefore could best be captured by real reflection, reappraisal, reevaluation, consolidation of events and appreciation of people who shared same values and course in this egalitarian vision.
Our Society is celebrating today not only 20 years of her establishment but milestones of her recognition as an instrument of peace
On the 19th of January, 1998, the journey officially began to change unpleasant situations within our parish, which many would have considered normal for different myopic or self-serving interest.( frequent changes of Priests borne out of friction between Priests and the Lay, bickering, near absence of unity amongst English and Yoruba services worshippers etc
There arose therefore the need to rise up, without being violent, without being rude, without physically confronting the ‘Influential and privileged ones, but applying a strategy that will change the face of things. The situation that was prevalent in our church prior to the establishment of Apostles of Peace Society therefore required a proactive, damage-control and surgical mechanism that could only be tackled with nothing but by rare Solomonic wisdom, the rare courage of young David facing many Goliaths at the same time, sheer determination and doggedness by selfless people who would throw themselves into the arena without counting the cost. I was ready to upturn things, I was troubled in my heart and I could not take it any longer. I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to come up with a model that will give everyone a voice that will be distinct in nature, that will be a unifying factor between Yoruba and non-Yoruba worshippers and that will eventually whittle down the power of those concerned without rocking the boat. I then with wisdom and backing of God came up with the model of a philanthropic organization whose mission will be to champion cause of peace everywhere.
This did not happen without a price. I mean without a price which were known to some very few people, It was however a sacrifice for which the end has justified the means. With a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, I can boldly say it was a God ordained vision and a worthwhile initiative to have dared all consequences over 20 years ago.
By the grace and support of God, APOSTLES OF PEACE has conferred inestimable progress on our church in particular and Anglican Communion in general. The SERVING Lord Bishops have attested to this fact at different fora and severally on the pulpit.
After the conceptual level, selling the ideas to others was the next hurdle I needed to cross. Interestingly it was much easier than I had thought and quality people, people who were not member of existing societies and those who were even in existing societies but were fascinated by the concept started showing interest. Strategically, I got people who worshipped in English and Yoruba services to be members and the Inauguration was intriguing. Some people were skeptical about the new society whilst some were convinced it won’t last a year!
In an attempt to make it a purposeful society, I developed a five way test.
WILL IT GLORIFY GOD?
IS IT CHRISTLIKE?
WILL IT BRING PEACE TO THE BODY OF CHRIST?
WILL IT CONTRIBUTE TO THE UPLIFTMENT OF THE CHURCH?
WILL IT BRING PEACE TO THE NEXT MAN?
When chapters were created in other churches, they were enjoined to fulfill the purpose of AOP in their locality. Some of the programs embarked upon by AOP chapters include:
*Peace Foundation to cater for all the retired men of God
*Food Bank for less privileged on monthly basis
*Life touching projects for communities e.g. water project
*Medical Screening and Treatment
*Peace Grant / scholarship to indigent but poor students
*Tracts and sponsorship of religious programs capable of depopulating kingdom of darkness
*Elderly Care
*Economic Empowerment
*Worship sanctuary projects
*Peace Club
*Deliberate Stabilizing Initiatives in Churches where we have Chapters.
*Youth Development
* Conflict Resolution Literature
I must however admit that I enjoyed the grace of good courage and fearlessness. I was Vicar’s warden to the then Vicar of our Church, Rev. Israel Omojola, who was also facing challenges in the church. After serving him for about 2 years, I backed down as a Vicar’s Warden. Shortly after, Rev. Israel Omojola ‘created’ the office of the church Public Relation Officer and made me the PRO. Of course I understood my job roles which are to soften people’s hard stance and properly present his issues to the people. This I did to the best of my ability and achieved the purpose for which the Department was created.
That singular task coupled with the privilege of serving as Vicars warden gave me an edge to “talk’ people into the society which led to an instant success.
Rev. Israel Omojola was transferred before the society was inaugurated and the task of inaugurating the society fell on Rev, Arc. Tunde Osho now a Venerable.
If the Society must play her expected role, I realize there was the need to position ourselves where we can positively influence issues and stem the unpleasantness earlier explained. As fate will have it, vestry election of February 1998 presented good opportunity to contest for Peoples warden of the church against various powerful factions. Even though, our society was barely 3weeks old. (Yes, 3 weeks old!)God directed some people (whose identities will not be revealed for obvious reasons) to talk me into accepting to be a consensus candidate and then I had to contest against the incumbent People’s Warden, a very influential and well-connected man. The rest is HISTORY as I won the election, thus becoming the youngest Warden and the first person to have served both as a Vicar’s Warden and People’s Warden in the history of the church. That singular victory emboldened me to take further “risk” which has now rubbed off positively on our parish,( which is now an Archdeaconry seat and a most sought church by Priests.). Everyone who came to serve thereafter describes it as the best church they have ever served.
Again upon translation of Rt. Rev Peter Awelewa Adebiyi from OWO Diocese to the newly created Diocese of Lagos West, providence brought us together, we became close and personal, the society courted his friendship and moves were made to install him as our Grand Patron which he accepted and therefore used his influence to promote Apostles of Peace (AOP). He also was favourably disposed to the society and my relationship with him was well utilized such that he hosted the society every December in Bishop’s court and preaches at all AOP Anniversaries, sometimes accompanied by his Brother Bishops from other Dioceses. This gave us the advantage to further propagate the ideals of the society and PREVENT ANY NEGATIVE MOVES AGAINST ANY PRIESTS. He appointed me as Diocesan Adviser / Bishops nominee and I in turn served in many committees at the Diocesan level, which gave room for wider and closer interaction with lots of other Bishop Appointees, Nominees, Officers of the Diocese representatives of various Archdeaconries and the Cathedral, which further influenced other parishes to embrace the society.
Upon retirement of Rt. Rev Adebiyi and enthronement of Rt. Rev James Odedeji, the new Bishop having been familiar and involved in the activities of AOP in the past and her usefulness wasted no time in accepting to be installed as Grand Patron and the wife, the beautiful and spirit filled Mama Lagos West Mrs Lydia Odedeji as Grand Matron, has equally been giving his all to the advancement of the Society. In fact, his coming on board has given a great boost to the society.
In order to further spread the gospel of Peace to other Parishes, we have grown Chapters of the Society, we have beamed the light to other churches and other Christian denominations have embraced the ideas of the Apostles of Peace Society. We have touched lives in practical terms
To succinctly put the vision of AOP into proper perspectives, a home grown, beautiful, meaningful and captivating Anthem was developed and professionally recorded in a standard studio
The need to also reward and promote peace also led to the institution of Peace Award which places moral burden on the recipients to always strive for peace and never to be found where revolts against men of God which threatens peace of the church is hatched. Expectedly, our Peace Award has been adjudged innovative, resourceful, Invaluable and accorded rare recognition.
Our Awardees have been outstanding distinguished persons who have contributed in no small measure to our success. To emphasize the importance of this award, was the installation of the 2nd Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Abiodun Adetiloye
We have set up a ‘Peace Foundation’ in fulfillment of our objectives to put smiles on the faces of our retired Priests and have reviewed our Constitution to take care of National and International Chapters’ yearnings. We are on course.
The benefits of our initiative have reverberated all over and we are thus satisfied and fulfilled.
Today, with all sense of humility, I look back and thank God that we have been positively used to herald peace in several ways in the Anglican Communion.
The prevalence of various professionals and Elders in our Society, have been part of the stabilizing factors. Combining the wisdom of the Elders to the resourcefulness and sagacity of the good natured younger ones have helped the society in no small measure. Today I know with satisfaction and pride that Oba Dele and Olori Ranti Orisabiyi, Barr. Kemi Sotuminuand Ven. Gabriel Fawole who believed in my initiative of this noble assignment 20 years ago, will be saying ‘THANK YOU, GOD’ because APOSTLES OF PEACE has become a rallying Society in the Anglican Communion, though Oba Dele Orisabiyi has passed on to greater beyond. He also served as the Parish Secretary, a great Secretary he was, and he later on served as Peoples warden. Interestingly within this 20years of our existence, 3(three) members of Apostles of Peace society have served as Peoples warden,( Siyanbola Oladapo, Oba Dele Orisabiyi of Oke Ilewo Abeokuta and now Mr. Kola Jolayemi).Even at the Archdeaconry level, Siyanbola Oladapo had once served as Archdeaconry Treasurer.
Another of our member, Mr. Kingsley Obuvie served as Vicars warden while Ms.ObyMbadiwe (the first female warden in our church) is presently a warden
4( four ) of our members Oba Dele Orisabiyi, Prince A.B Olumo, Kola Jolayemi, ChimaNwosu have served as Parish Secretary and Prince A.B Olumo, Ms. Oby Mbadiwe, Ngozi Egbuniwe, Mrs Kemi Kayode and Kingsley Obuvie had also served as Ass.
Parish Secretary at various times.
About 5 (five) of our members have served and or are serving as Synod Delegates amongst which are our current and 2nd National President Arc. Gbenga Babington, Mr. Kola Jolayemi, Mrs Kemi Kayode .
We have 2 of our members Siyanbola Oladapo and Arc. Gbenga Babington who have over 23years of combined services as Bishops Nominee and Advisers to Bishops both in Lagos and their respective home towns ( Ile-Ife and Ibadan) respectively. Interestingly, both Siyanbola Oladapo, Engr Paul Ajisafe and Arc. Gbenga Babington have successfully headed Harvest committee with resounding results at different times.
Several many of our members have either served as Parish Church Councillors or Archdeaconry nominees amongst which are Engr. Okuesa, Kingsley Obuvie, Chima Nwosu, Oby Mbadiwe, Arc. Gbenga Babington, Prince A.B Olumo, Mrs Kemi Sotuminu, Mrs Kemi Kayode, Ngozi Ebegbune, Siyanbola Oladapo, Oba Dele Orisabiyi and several others.
In Guild of stewards and still serving, we have about 7 of our members, our current President in AOP NG 001 Dr. Chinedu Itie(FMCS(ortho), Consultant Orthopaedic/ Arthroscopy Surgeon is a prominent member of EFAC and Sunday school teacher. We are also into so many other groups in the church.
I am not listing the above offices to show off here, but pointing out that we have been serving God in various positions and in strategic places that availed us opportunity to stem any bickering and also to offer advice against any unpopular policies and practices that are capable of threatening the peace of the church.
Notably, we have been instrumental in giving every tribe of this country sense of belonging in the church. Interestingly before coming into being of Apostles of Peace Society, non-Yoruba worshipper has never been a Church warden but within 20 years of our existence, other tribes apart from Yoruba have now served as Wardens for 10years! Messrs C. Ofili and Joel Omodon, an awardee of our society In our parish now, there is no segregation as Jews or Gentiles. This and many spirit-induced strategies have worked so well at ensuring peaceful coexistence and our proceedings at Vestry meeting have always been free of rancour.
It was therefore easy for us to play a great role that led to peace when St. Paul’s Mushin crisis surfaced. It was even at the office of the AOP founder that the PCC and some members from Mushin agreed to air their grievances and roles played by individuals of the society assisted greatly in resolving the issues.
In beatitudes, the only saying: ‘THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD, is for the PEACE MAKERS and so, stand up and enjoy the privilege of being called the SONS OF GOD.
The Society might have died at the formative years if not for the tact, diligence and commitment exhibited by the Earlier Presidents in the first 12 years of existence of AOP. .They must be credited for their purposeful leadership and survival of AOP. Thereafter other chapters came into being with their charter Presidents.
My humble self, though being the founder was not a President until the 13th year , while Mr. Kola Jolayemi served for 4 years after 14th year till 18th year and now Dr. Chinedu Itie who is still piloting the affairs of the society. Each chapter has its President and officers. The National offices were created after 13 years of AOP inauguration and the first National President emerged in the person of Siyanbola Oladapo, and having served one term of 2 years, the baton has fallen on another very energetic, hardworking, indefatigable, God fearing and resourceful man Arc. Gbenga Babington who has raised the bar. Succession was very smooth and progressive.
Mr. Steve Akinretoye and Chief (Mrs) Kemi Adebiyi the Patron and Matron respectively also continue to stand out. From Day one, they believed in us, they saw what no one saw, they identified with us, they have grown with us, they have stood by us and they are co-inheritors of God’s promise for peace makers. Their persons we latched on because they command great respect in the Anglican communion and their wise counsels made a lot of difference. Mr. Steve Akinretoye and Chief Mrs Adebiyi incidentally are my Mentors and Benefactors, great people by every standard but very humble.
Peace Seminars and Conflict Resolution
Processes are on course and are some of the strategies that prepare our members for the daily challenges faced by them. Numerically, we are increasing and spiritually.
a) PEACE HOUSE : We desire to build a peace house which shall have amongst others a) Peace prayer rooms/ chapel, b)Conflict resolution conference hall that can sit minimum of 200 people . C) Tuck shop
D)10 hut-like prayer room structure E) A library etc.
f) 4 office spaces
The donor of the building or parcel of land for this great project shall have his/her name immortalized in the hall of Fame forever. That project when completed shall be a pride to Nigeria. Hopefully, before long, our first International chapter shall be inaugurated.
In conclusion, The Journey though ‘sweet’ has not been without its own challenges. We solicit for prayers of everyone for the growth and relevance of this Society, as we begin a new year.
AS I ROUND OFF, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO START A CHAPTER OF APOSTLES OF PEACE IN YOUR CHURCH (ALL DENOMINATIONS AS RECOGNISED (note, not necessarily a member of CAN ) BY CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (CAN)
“Strength does not come from winning; your struggles develop your strength.
When you go through hardship and decide not to surrender,
that is strength”-Author unknown
SIYANBOLA ADERINOLA OLADAPO
FOUNDER, APOSTLES OF PEACE SOCIETY
