A protest by aggrieved members disrupted Palm Sunday service at St. David’s Anglican Church, Ibulesoro, in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, following allegations of financial mismanagement and autocratic leadership against the cleric, Venerable Adebanjo.
The situation led to a shutdown of the church as worshippers locked the main building and its gates, preventing entry into the premises.
Those involved in the protest, including men, women and youths, declared their rejection of the cleric, insisting that his leadership was no longer acceptable to them.
It was gathered that the disagreement had been simmering for some time, with members accusing the vicar of excluding church elders from important decisions, particularly those concerning financial matters.
A senior member of the congregation alleged that contracts were executed without the knowledge or approval of the appropriate church authorities.
Some worshippers also raised concerns over the cleric’s conduct during sermons, accusing him of making offensive remarks which they described as both insulting and intimidating.
Youth members of the church expressed anger, alleging that they had been repeatedly subjected to verbal attacks from the pulpit.
A member of the youth fellowship revealed that the ongoing dispute had already affected church activities, including the cancellation of the annual harvest programme last year.
Sources further disclosed that the matter had been reported to the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese, who was said to have visited the church over the issue.
However, the protesters expressed disappointment over the absence of decisive action, noting that the crisis had continued unresolved.
As of the time of filing this report, uncertainty remained over when normal worship activities would resume at the church.