Cleric seeks divine resolution to Ogun crisis

Tayo Olarewaju, a Methodist Church cleric yesterday, during the 3rd diocesan harvest thanksgiving anniversary of Methodist Church Nigeria, Egba/Yewa Diocese, held at Igbogila, Yewa north local government area of the state, asked God to touch the hearts of the Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel, and the state's lawmakers over the incessant political crisis in the state before it metamorphosed into bloodbath.

Mr. Olarewaju's prayer, which lasted for about 30 minutes, was centred on the political crisis which now gives innocent residents and citizens of the state sleepless nights.

The hostility between the executive and legislative arms of the state government reached its zenith two weeks ago when a faction of the lawmakers staged an early morning meeting during which they announced the removal of the principal officers of the assembly and declared a new set of leaders. Although most people in the state and beyond consider this a joke, the insurgent lawmakers have received Mr. Daniel's backing.

God should touch the heart of Daniel. He should touch the hearts of the lawmakers, all the aggrieved parties should have their hearts touched, so that the state will not turn to war, the cleric said.

Change of heart

I pray that God should soften the hearts of the lawmakers and the governor. God should intervene for the state to have peace. God should put love among them, mind of peace. If Saul can change to Paul, God will change the hearts of all of them to good, he said.

Mr. Olarewaju also appealed to God to choose responsible leaders for the country at all levels. He equally advised the electorate not to sell their rights by collecting money to vote, but should vote according to their conscience.

Notable politicians at the ceremony include Titi Ajanaku (governorship aspirant); Albert Ashipa, chairman, Imeko-Afon local government; Sunday Kojek, member, Ogun State House of Assembly; and Oluwole Olumide, an Egba high chief.