The Bishop of Ilesa Southwest Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, in Osun State, Right Reverend Samuel Egbebunmi, has been hugely criticised for giving out a traditional title in church. The Bishop had installed businessman, Chief Yinka Fasuyi, as the Balogun of the Cathedral of Holy Trinity, Omofe, Ilesa.
Egbebunmi said the title was conferred on Fasuyi based on his level of integrity, uprightness and love for humanity. According to him, Fasuyi came from a noble family, his father was a dedicated leader in the church who left legacies before his demise.
The newly installed Balogun also holds another chieftaincy title in Osun State. He is the Asiwaju of Ijesa land, a philanthropist and force to reckon with in the state.
However, it seems that some members of the church disapproved of the Bishop’s action. They criticised him for introducing a traditional title into the church. According to them, the title, Balogun is typically used to decorate a traditional warlord in the society.
They argued that most of the people given such titles were usually fetish and often indulged in all sorts of unorthodox practices that should not be introduced to the church. They advised the cleric to coin another title befitting a Christian congregation, which will depict the true faith that the Anglican Communion stands for, instead of introducing worldly practices into the church.
