By Clementina Olomu

The occasion of the birthday of the founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church Primate Elijah Ayodele attracted a line up of who is who in Nigeria’s Christendom and the Nigerian society at large, including, King Sunny Ade, Hon Jude Idumogu, representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Bishop Tom Samson, and a host of other dignitaries.

Primate Ayodele used the occasion of his birthday to extend mouth watering gifts to friends, associates and his immediate community .

The General Overseer of Christ Royal Church, Bishop Tom Samson in his sermon at the occasion commended Primate Ayodele for his courage for providing what those elected by their various constituencies could not provide for the people .

Bishop Samson urged Nigerians to keep supporting men of God who are impacting lives positively .
adding that ,no matter how blessed on this earth, he will one day leave to face the judgement of God .

Also speaking at the occasion, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the acting leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere said he has known Primate Ayodele for decades, reasons for his presence at the occasion to celebrate with him and wish him many more years of service to God and humanity.

Primate Ayodele acknowledged all who came from far and near to celebrate the special day with him .

The cleric also commissioned some Corporate Social Responsibility. CSR projects which includes the road leading to his church as well as empowerment packages distributed to widows, artisans, students and the media personnel.

Going down memory lane, Primate Ayodele who has spent over three decades in the Lord’s vine yard said:
“l don’t have a father in the Lord or mentor, God called me and has been taking care of me. All l am doing is in line with the directive of God. “Growing up, my mother encouraged me to go to church. I’ve worshiped in several churches, including Deeper life, Seventh Day Adventist, Catholic, Celestial Church, Cherubim and Seraphim amongst others, though my family church is Christ Apostolic Church .

The Primate maintained that the direction from God to embark on this journey is more important. “All l know is l am active in the service of God”.He also noted that not all church have financial clout and appealed to the financially well to do churches to always provide more support to their members, adding that he is very proud of himself in that direction . having been able to bridge the gap for his members in the area of health, empowerment, accommodation, supporting the education of some of his members and in the area of creating employment opportunities.

He thereafter prayed for churches that are still struggling to survive , saying, in a matter of time they will also start to be in a position of Reference point . Using himself as a great example . Primate Ayodele said, “at a point in this journey, lt was tough but to the glory of God he moved passed that stage .He urged the young churches to be diligent and steadfast in their relationship with God and work righteously in his vineyard.

He urged government to respect churches that are following the Godly ways, Saying that people listen more to their spiritual leaders than politicians or government officials .

Answering questions whether he will support regulation of the churches by government, Primate Elijah Ayodele said that government should not clamp down on the activities of the churches, but instead government should provide guidelines for their registration..

Other notable dignitaries present at the occasion are HonLola Abiola -Edewor; Hon Oladipupo Okeyomi popularly known as Carry Go, Nigeria’s foremostbi coaches, Fanny Amun, Rafiu Oladipupo, grand patron of Nigeria’s supporter’s club, Dare Melody and Princess Olubisi Oyelekan amongst other notable dignitaries.