Emotions ran high at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja, on Wednesday, as the Lagos State Government honoured a former presiding Chaplain of the chapel, Venerable Femi Taiwo. The congregation consisting of church members, family, friends and we’ll wishers of the cleric, sang songs as they celebrated the occasion. The state Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile Yusuf, who was joined by top officials of the ministry, presented a gift to Taiwo on behalf of the government. Taiwo, his wife and their two children were evicted from the vicarage after being given 24 hours notice to quit. Church members contributed money to buy cooking utensils for the family, as a new accommodation was sought for them. Taiwo had been accused of not according the wife of former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Bolanle, preference and recognition during an anointing service. Bolanle, with her entourage, stormed out of the Sunday service in a fit of rage. Efforts by women leaders in the church to persuade them to stay on were said to have been rebuffed. Shortly after they left, the priest was served a dismissal letter by the governing council of the chapel.
The priest sang praises while thanking the state governor for the honour, appreciated Nigerians for their kind words. Taiwo said, “I thank God for His faithfulness and the uncommon grace and rare privilege He has given me. I thank the Lagos State Government, Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. I appreciate you and everyone. In the mist of the storm of life, you stood by me. ” The day I was to leave here, I saw angels coming down in the form of men…