The Bishop of the Lagos Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Adebola Ademowo has denied misappropriating ₦260 million belonging to the church.
The letter, dated March 1 and addressed to Nicholas Okoh, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the bishop said: “It was alleged that my period in the Diocese of Lagos was a disaster. I came to the Diocese and met the sum of ₦1.5 million only on the account with a salary bill of over ₦3 million per month for the clergy excluding other workers.”
“I have by the grace of God, within the period of my Episcopacy been able to place the Diocese on strong financial footing. We have 32 flats buildings in Lekki Phase 1, generating over ₦50 million for the Diocese annually.”
“We have a flat in Ikoyi generating over ₦10 million for the Diocese annually. We also have an hostel for the Diocese of Lagos built at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, generating over ₦20 million annually. The foundation for the allegations against me was laud at the Vestry meeting of the Cathedral on February 25, 2018.”
“At the said Vestry meeting, a vast majority of the Cathedral members made it known that their silence is only on account of their desire for peace and pursuit of same and not because they were in agreement with the fallacious and provocative allegations.”
“Contrary to the allegation that I had promoted hate and division, the clergy of the Lagos Diocese are more united than they had ever been. When I came they rarely related with one another,” the bishop said.
“But by the grace of God, we have a policy now which promote the motto of ‘for one is for all.’ My clergy are a living witness to my ministry in promoting unity and harmony among them.”
In addition to ensuring that the monthly stipends for the clergy never exceeds the 22nd of every month, I also initiated interest-free loans to enable them buy lands and develop their personal buildings in preparation for their retirement.”
“As regards the allegations that I approved the publication of photographs of myself and Mr Olumakaiye, my successor, in the church’s calendar ahead of the election. It is practice of the women in the Diocese to reflect, in their annual Almanac, bishops and priests as well as the laity who performed major roles in the church.”
On the allegation that I collected ₦200 million to build my retirement house, it is an “established fact” that houses are built for retiring bishops and vehicles purchased for them by their dioceses. I have already begun plans for the building of my retirement house before it came to the knowledge of the Diocesan Board who then decided to support him with ₦200 million.”
“I will like to bring to your notice that the Diocese of Lagos West built a house for The Rt. Revd Dr. Peter Adebiyi at a cost of over ₦200 million in 2013, the Diocese of Lagos Mainland built and furnished a house for The Most Revd Prof Adebayo Dada Akinde on retirement for over ₦250 million for his services to the Diocese of Lagos Mainland for about ten years in the year 2016. I would have spent over 18 years as the Bishop of Lagos on retirement.”
“The claims that I wanted to bring my godson to succeed me in order to cover up my financial irregularities were baseless because the diocese’s accounts are audited annually by seasoned chartered accountants.”
“On the ₦65 million “Lexus 570 Sports Utility Vehicle bought for me as a retirement gift it is the decision of the Diocesan Retirement and Enthronement Committee which had been set up since March 19, 2015, by the Diocesan Board. It was at the Diocesan Board meeting held on Thursday 15th February, 2018 that the purchase of a Lexus Jeep was approved.”
“The total cost of the vehicle to the Diocese was ₦60 million. The seller of the vehicle, being a parishioner, having donated the sum of ₦5 million towards the cost of the vehicle.”
“I like to bring to your notice the fact that the Diocese of Lagos West bought an SUV for The Rt Revd Dr. Peter Adebiyi on retirement, Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, the Women’s and Girl’s Organisations of the Diocese of Lagos West and the Ekiti State Government also bought him a vehicle each.”
Ten members, who identified themselves as prominent financial members and elders in the church, had accused Mr Ademowo of causing division and hatred among members, receipt of funds from the Diocesan Board for his personal use, and the placing of his family members in strategic positions.
The aggrieved members also accused the bishop of manipulating the electoral process that led to the emergence of Humphrey Olumakaiye as his successor.