The African Church Body of Honourable Vice Lay Presidents South West Zone Slams Former Lay President's Meeting as Illegal and Unconstitutional

Following an emergency session convened by the Body of the Honorable Vice Lay Presidents of the African Church, held on, 30th April 2025 to address grave concerns regarding the administrative and constitutional integrity of the former Lay President, the body hereby issues this formal communique to all congregants, Parishes, diocese, Province, organs of the church, afflicted Institution and all concerns.. 

Background

1. The body of the Hon.Vice Lay President acknowledges deep regret for the systemic administrative failures and procedural violations perpetrated by the Former Lay President during their tenure. These failures include, but are not limited to: 

   Unilateral decision-making is contrary to the Church’s constitution and collective governance principles.  

   - Negligence in resolving critical issues, now escalating into existential challenges for the Church.  

2. Despite repeated counsel and interventions by the elders and leaders the Former Lay President has persistently acted *ultra vires* (beyond their legal authority), culminating in their recent attempt to convene an unsanctioned assembly on 1st May 2025

 DECLARATION;

After thorough deliberation and in accordance with the African Church Constitution, the Hon.Vice Lay Presidents HVLP or body as may be referred unanimously resolves:  

1. **Illegality**: The meeting convened by the Former Lay President Engr. Babatunde Adewale Odufuwa on 1st May 2025 is hereby declared llegal, unconstitutional, and devoid of any locus standing. 

2. *Nullification**: All decisions, resolutions, or pronouncements arising from said meeting are null, void, and inadmissible within the African Church’s constitution and governance framework.  

3. **Censure**: The Former Lay President’s actions constitute a breach of fiduciary duty and spiritual stewardship. The body of Hon.Vice Lay Presidents distance the Church from their conduct and call for disciplinary measures to avert future reoccurrence.

 **Resolutions**  

To safeguard the Church’s unity, integrity, and spiritual growth, the Body further resolves: 

After the Ughelli conference, Honourable Vice Lay Presidents are the body recognized by law as high officials.

Call to Action 

The body urges all congregants and clergy to:  

- Disregard the unconstitutional meeting and its outcomes.  

- Uphold the Church’s unity by channelling concerns through legitimate structures.  

- Pray for divine guidance and healing during this period of restoration

Signed  

Honorable Vice Lay Presidents -African Church South West Zone. 

1. HVLP. Ogunleye Femi. -Ekiti Central Miss. Diocese 

2. HVLP. Muyiwa Aluko. -Lagos Mainland 

3. HVLP. Samuel Dipeolu. -Abeokuta Diocese 

4. Oladapo Fajimi -Agege Diocese. 

5. HVLP. Sussan Balogun (Mrs). -Oka Akoko.

6.Edward Sunday OlaleyIfo -Ifo Diocese 

7. HVLP. Biodun Okeowo.-Lagos East Dicese 

8. HVLP. Oluwatoyin Okunowo Lajumoke. -Arch Cathedral Province. (cast NO vote at decision making)

9. HVLP. Dotun Owanikin.-Akoko/Idoani Diocese.

10. HVLP. Modupe Idowu (Mrs) -Igbore Diocese. 

11. HVLP. Dotun Eniolorunda

12. HVLP.George Tanimowo. - Logos Central  Diocese. 

13. HVLP. Joseph Babatunde Aina - Awori Central Diocese. 

14.HVLP.Tunde Olorunyomi. Lagos East Diocese.

*Distributed to*

*The Primate 

*All Arch Bishops *Bishops   

*Dioceses 

*Archdeaconries 

*Parishes 

*Former Lay President

*All Affiliated Institutions of The African Church. 

 

*“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”*  *—1 Corinthians 14:33*  

This communique serves as the official position of the African Church Hon.Vice Lay Presidents and supersedes any conflicting statements.