AWORI DIOCESE AT 17 – BISHOP ATERE HAS FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH

AWORI DIOCESE AT 17 – BISHOP ATERE HAS FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH

“I have fought a good fight of faith” This is a well known quote from the Apostle Paul in 2nd Timothy chapter four verse seven (4:7). This is part of his final letter to his disciple, Timothy! It signifies the culmination of a life lived in faith, characterized by perseverance and endurance in the face of challenges. 

Apostle Paul uses the phrase to describe his own life and ministry. He had faced various trials and persecutions but remained steadfast in his faith. The phrase emphasizes the active and ongoing nature of faith. It is not just a passive belief but a struggle, a battle, perseverance against the obstacles and temptations that life throws at believers.

Aworiland is well known for idolatry. Igbagbo oni ni kin ma se oro ile me. Literarily meaning, “No matter my Christianity belief, I must practice my traditional religion”.  History has it that, Ota, the cradle of Awori is the source of Ifa and other idols. The late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi confirmed this, that, Ifa corpus was brought from Ota to Oyo.

Hence, when the Missionaries came in 1842, the intention of the Aworis was to use them for sacrifice, in spite the fact, that, Ifa had already foretold that strangers are coming to the town to bring enlightment that will showcase the town to the world. Yet, they gave the missionaries idol forest (Igbo Oro) which later changed to Ipate Oyinbo (the gathering of the whites), there thinking was, the missionaries will die. Truly, many of them died but the seed later germinate and spring forth till today.

The forth-telling of Ifa corpus later came to fulfillment, the town is known globally today because the largest Church and best University in the world is situate in the town, Ota, the cradle of Aworiland.

The seed planted by Henry Townsend and his team, St. James Anglican Church grew, and metamorphosed to a Cathedral today. Many thanks to the former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Revd. Peter Jasper Akinola(Rtd) who, on 29th of May 2008, inaugurated the area as a Missionary Diocese and Installed the Rt. Revd. Dr. Johnson Akinwamide Atere as the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese.  

The inauguration day was so colourful, full of spiritualism with high mass service.    It was a day of joy on Thursday, May 29th, 2008 when all the crème de la crème across all the walks of life especially the leaders and prelate of the Anglican Communion gathered at St. James Cathedral, Ipate Oyinbo, Ota, Ogun State for the inauguration of the Missionary Diocese of Awori.

Bishop Atere, a man called by God, a spirit filled man who does nothing without seeking the face of God. He accepted the job joyfully, and thus, he set the ball rolling. Awori Missionary Diocese took up with just seven priests and few churches (St. James-Cathedral), St. Timothys Sango-Ota, St. Judes, Ajibode, St. Peters Konifewo, Christ Church, Owode, Anglican Church, Iyana-Iyesi, Anglican Church, Iju.

The first Church Council meeting was organized with a theme “Small Beginning, Prosperous Future”. Indeed, it was a small beginning! The diocese took off with less down 5million naira, a rented apartment as Bishop’s house, and a fairly used red highlander jeep as Bishop’s official car while Cathedral house was converted as Bishop’s office. 

It was a small beginning experience. Yet, Bishop Atere was not distracted a bit nor his faith shaken in pursuit of God’s business, vision and mission for the world and Aworiland in particular.

In order for the work to be a bit easy and encouraging, his beautiful wife, Mrs. Foluso Atere, worked her transfer from Ondo State to Lagos State where she finally retired few years back.

In his early ministry, Revd. Atere now Bishop faced many persecutions, intimidations and harassment from Church leaders, fathers etc. He was once alleged of poisoned the drink of retired primate of the church, late Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye.  He was alleged of many scandals, all to debar him from fulfilling his destiny. But destiny and fate has a way of working out for those that diligently seek God and do His will.

Bishop Atere has never planned to be a preacher. He was a teacher by profession. Though, he was working for God in capacity as Church Warden. Not knowing his maternal grandmother has already dedicated him for God and vow that he will work for God as a priest.

His admission into the seminary was wonderful. Students have been admitted, lectures were about to start when his then Vicar, Ven. Ayejoto, the father of Ven. Christopher Ayejoto gave him a rough form to fill, ask him to take the form to Stephen’s Cathedral Ikare-Akoko for Bishop to sign.

The Bishop had wanted to reject the form, but when he heard, it was from Ven. Ayejoto, he consented to sign. He took the form to Ibadan Seminary; the authority honored Ven. Ayejoto, lo! Bishop Atere was admitted into the Seminary.

His challenges began immediately after his ordination as he becomes the choice of Baba Adetiloye. Many schemes were planned against him by the Senior Priests, they succeeded. He was transferred to Ikoga Sebe in Bagadry area where vehicle goes out once in a week. In all these, Revd. Atere was not discouraged, but, rather, he concentrated on his calling and purpose.

When all tactics of sending him out of the ministry finally failed, he was sent to Archbishop Vinning College of Theology, Akure with the hope Bishop Atere will be a forgotten person.

In the year 2008, God reveals his supremacy, the forgotten person now become a Bishop. Teu Deu Laudamus!

In his “See” Awori, he faced many spiritual challenges but in all, God wins!

May 29th, 2025, Awori Diocese will clock 17years, God’s name be praised.

Baba Atere is a replica of Apostle Paul, they have confronted many challenges, persecutions, yet, they were persevere, endure, they remain resolute and dogmatic in there calling both in Awori Diocese, and in the Church of Nigeria Ministry. Indeed “Bishop and Mama Atere  have fought a good fight of faith, they are continuing their course and kept the faith, hence forth, there is crown of righteousness which the righteous Judge shall give them at that day and not only to them but unto all, who loves his appearing”

Congratulations to the good people of Awori Diocese, our small beginning is growing and bigger every day. Congratulations to Baba and Mama Awori Diocese.

Long may we live and the church grow!

Written by

Damilola Moses Oladele

Awori Diocesan Communicator