By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
The former Bishop of the Lagos Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Lagos West, Rt. Revd Dr. Peter Iwalewa Adebiyi, has transited.
Adebiyi, a fiery and vocal social critic, who passed early hours of Friday, was born in 1943 and was blessed with a wife, children, grand children and great grandchildren.
He served as the church diocese’s Bishop from 1999 to 2013, when he retired.
Bishop Olusola Odedeji, his successor, confirmed his transition in a message to the diocese’s members on Friday morning.
He gave no details of how the retired cleric passed.
“Good morning brothers and sisters. It is sad and heartbreaking to announce the home-call of our patriarch and hero, Papa Peter Awelewa Adebiyi, a few hours ago.
“May his industrious and loving soul rest in perfect peace. May God console us all,” the terse message read.
“Several times, I have been accosted by men of SSS when I was a Vicar. Even at Owo, Ondo State, I was confronted by the then Governor, yet I have not stopped talking and preaching and searching for the good of the country.
“I am looking further to a better and a profitable country where the people will rejoice. Where, there will be enough food to eat.
“I’d enjoyed a little privilege in my early times and my university days. I remember that when I completed my course at the university, seven organisations came looking for me.
“I was given employment opportunities in six but I turned down all of them because I wanted to be a priest.
“So, I went back to the church to work and later, I became a Bishop after sometime.
“Right now, Nigeria as a country is producing graduates who are roaming the streets on a daily basis in search of job, food and security. Whereas, when we were young, security was given prominence.
“I have written several books, but the most important of all is “Let the Nations Hear.” I wish Nigeria becomes a better country. The killings that are going on in the country are very unprecedented.
“The situation in the country is growing worse and life is becoming more sorrowful. The situation is becoming so tensed, life is becoming so unsafe while hunger and death are nearer to everyone.
“Nigeria is said to be a top producer of crude oil in the world but we are working like an elephant and eating like an ant.”
Bishop Adebiyi’s lamentations, nine years after his passage this morning, have seen no respite, rather things have gotten worse in the country.
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