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Tayo Olanipekun
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has justified the sacking of Presiding Chaplain of Chapel of Christ The Light Church, Alausa, Ikeja, Venerable Femi Taiwo, absolving the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, of any involvement in the matter.
Venerable Taiwo was sacked on Monday, May 15, by the Governing Council of the Church, allegedly on the orders of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
It was recently reported in the media that on May 14, a day before Taiwo’s sack and expulsion from his quarters with his family members, a mild drama ensued at an anointing service organised by the church where the wife of the Governor was said to have been disrespected by the man of God.
According to the Chairman of CAN, Lagos State Chapter, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, the report in the media is erroneous and unprofessional, and a gross misrepresentation of the matter. He said the error of judgment is not fair to the Firstt Lady, unfair to the entire Lagos State and the Church.
“The Chapel of Light was built by Lagos State government for itself. Aside this, there are others in other locations for the same purpose. The government has done the same for the Muslims as well, as you can see with the Mosque behind us here. The government built the Church and made it available for CAN to use.
“The State Government has a constitution in place to run the Church, which reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the Governing Council in charge. As such, the Governing Council acted within its powers to terminate his appointment.
“The Presiding Chaplain and The Chaplain are saddled with the responsiblility of running the Church, and they’re officers of the Lagos State Government, who’re subject to terms and conditions of the Lagos State Government,” he said.
He reiterated that the Governing Council acted within its purview and mandate to terminate Venerable Taiwo’s appointment, saying the matter was purely a matter for the Church to settle and not to be discussed in public domain.
The Clergyman stated that Deaconess Bolanle Ambode was not in anyway responsible for Taiwo’s sack, describing her as a true woman of God. He therefore urged those behind the reports to desist from the false accusation henceforth. He pleaded with the media to respect the sanctity of the Church and the Lagos State Government.
“We asked for a Christian Governor and we got it. Why would we now turn around to fight such a government. I must say we enjoy a cordial relationship with this government, and with the Muslims in the State alike. Venerable Taiwo was given due notice before the action was taken. This is a family affair and we have investigated and are still investigating the matter,” he said.
