…says faith and public leadership can coexist, cites Aiyedatiwa, Ajasin, Akeredolu as exemplary models of Christian statesmanship
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr. Olukayode Abraham Ajulo, SAN, OON, has called on Christians to actively influence society through integrity, justice, and faithful service, stressing that the Christian calling extends beyond the walls of the Church into every sphere of human endeavour, including governance, law, business, education and public administration.
Ajulo made the call while delivering the Synod Lecture at the Second Session of the Fifteenth Synod of the Diocese of Owo, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), held on Friday at St. Paul’s Church, Imoru, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. The lecture, titled “Making Your Calling Sure: The Christian Calling in a Secular Society and Political Space,” was delivered under the Synod theme, “Making Your Calling and Election Sure: The Imperative of the Christian Calling,” drawn from 2 Peter 1:10.
Speaking before bishops, clergy, delegates and distinguished guests, the Attorney-General noted that one of the greatest tragedies of modern society is that many people pursue success without discovering their divine purpose. According to him, true fulfilment comes not from prominence, wealth or position, but from understanding and faithfully pursuing God’s assignment for one’s life. He emphasised that Christian calling is not an escape from the world but a commission to transform it.
Drawing from biblical examples such as Abraham, Moses, Esther and Daniel, Ajulo explained that God often places His people in positions of influence so they can become instruments of positive change. He stressed that Christianity is not merely a Sunday experience but a way of life that must shape conduct in homes, workplaces, institutions and government. He therefore urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith while engaging society with courage, wisdom and conviction.
The Attorney-General also challenged the widely held notion that politics is inherently incompatible with Christian values. He described politics as a legitimate platform for advancing justice, accountability and the common good, arguing that Christians should not abandon the public square to people with lesser values. According to him, the answer to corruption and poor leadership is not the withdrawal of good people from governance, but the active participation of men and women guided by integrity and the fear of God.
As a practical example of values-driven leadership in public office, the Attorney-General paid glowing tribute to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, describing him as a leader whose commitment to service, humility and people-oriented governance continues to inspire confidence across the state. Ajulo noted that the Governor’s dedication to the welfare of the people, pursuit of development initiatives and determination to build on the progress of the state reflect the values of responsible leadership. He commended Aiyedatiwa’s accessibility, calm disposition and unwavering focus on governance, stating that his administration demonstrates how public office can be used as a platform for service, impact and the advancement of the common good.
Dr. Ajulo maintained that leadership should be viewed as a sacred trust and not an avenue for personal enrichment. He called on public office holders, professionals and community leaders to exercise their responsibilities with humility, accountability and a deep sense of service to humanity. He further urged the Church to deliberately mentor and prepare future leaders who will uphold righteousness and provide ethical leadership in both public and private institutions.
In a special tribute, the Attorney-General highlighted the contributions of two distinguished sons of the Diocese of Owo, the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin and Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON. He described both leaders as shining examples of Christian statesmanship whose lives demonstrated that faith, courage, integrity and public service can coexist. Their legacies, he said, remain proof that Christian values can positively shape governance and national development.
Ajulo further charged young people to pursue significance rather than fame, urging them to see their professions and careers as platforms for glorifying God and serving humanity. He encouraged them to cultivate character, discipline and integrity, noting that Nigeria’s future depends on a generation of leaders whose competence is matched by strong moral values.
He concluded by reminding Christians that the ultimate measure of success before God is not popularity, wealth or political power, but faithfulness to one’s divine calling. He urged believers to engage society without compromising their convictions and to leave behind legacies of service, justice and godly influence. He prayed that the Church would continue to produce righteous leaders who would positively impact society and advance the cause of nation-building.
Dr. Ajulo was invited as Guest Lecturer by the Bishop of the Diocese of Owo, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji A. Fagbemi, who described him as a faithful Anglican and entrusted him with the responsibility of delivering the Synod lecture and proposing the Synod motion. The Bishop also presented the Attorney-General with an Award of Excellence on behalf of the Diocesan Men’s Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contributions to society, the legal profession, and the Anglican Communion in Ondo State.