Anglican Church Crisis: Bishop Reveals Why He Embezzled N260million.

 An Anglican Bishop who was accused of corruption, has given reasons why he collected a whooping N260million.

 The Bishop of the Lagos Diocese of the church of Nigeria (Anglican communion), Adebola Ademowo, pushed back vehemently on claims that  he misappropriated N260million belonging to the church, according to a letter by the cleric seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

 The letter, dated March 1 and addressed to Nicholas Okoh, the primate of the church of Nigeria, was a response to accusations of financial impropriety and election malpractice leveled by some members of the church against Mr. Ademowo.

 While presenting his achievements in the church in his almost two decades as bishop to the primate, Mr Ademowo detailed the origin of the recent controversy which has embarrassed the church and exposed its leaders to ridicule.

 Ten members, who identified themselves as prominent financial members and elders in the church, had accused Mr. Ademowo of causing division and hatred among members, receipt of funds from the Diocesan Board for his personal use, and the placing of his family members in strategic positions.

 The aggrieved members also accused the bishop of manipulating the electoral process that led to the emergency of Humphrey Olumakaiye as his successor.

  The Scorecard

 In his letter to the primate, Mr. Ademowo maintained that his 18 year as bishop of the Lagos Diocese has put the church on a strong financial footing more than ever before.

  "It was alleged that my period in the Diocese of Lagos was a disaster," Mr. Ademowo began.

 "I came to the Diocese and met the sum of N1.5 million only on the account with a salary bill of over 3.3 million per month for the clergy excluding other workers.

  "I have by the grace of God, within the period of my Episcopacy been able to place the Diocese on strong financial footing.

 "We have 32 flats buildings in Lekki Phase 1, generating over 3:50 million fer the Diocese annually.

 "We have a flat I'm Ikoyi generating over 3:10 million for the Diocese annually. We also have hostel for the Diocese of Lagos built at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo,  generating over N20 million annually".

  Mr Ademowo said the foundation for the allegations against him was laud at the at the vestry meeting of the Cathedral on February 25, 2018.

On the allegation that he collected 3:200 million to build his retirement house, Mr Ademowo said it is an " established fact" that houses are built for retiring bishops and vehicles purchased for them by their dioceses.