By Adekola Afolabi
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On Sunday, July 29, 2018 was a special day in the life of the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prophet) Bamidele Oleyelogunnijesu, his family members as well as members of his church. This was because the Speaker who is also the founder, Soul Winning Spiritual Evangelical Church (SOWSEC), Oda Road, Akure, celebrated his birthday and the fifth year anniversary of the church.

To mark the two-in-one event, the family, top government officials in the state, led by the state Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, represented by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, members of the Ondo State House of Assembly joined other friends and associates to roll out the drums to celebrate the Speaker who they described as a God-fearing man, and an embodiment of humility and peace.

At the event, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, represented by his deputy, Hon. Agboola Ajayi extolled the virtues of the Speaker and General Overseer (SOWSEC) on the occasion of his birthday and fifth anniversary of his church, describing him as a charismatic House leader and devout Prophet of God.

The birthday thanksgiving and fifth anniversary of the Soul Winning Spiritual Evangelical Church (SOWSEC) held in the church auditorium along Oda Road, Akure, has “Redeeming the Time Because the Days are Evil” as its theme.

The governor described the Speaker as a peaceful, steadfast and God-fearing man, just as he rejoiced with him, his family and his church members on the occasion, praising the founder for his dedication to God’s work to which he attributed his successes in the Ministry.

Akeredolu also lauded the celebrant for providing good and peaceful leadership in the hallowed chambers, said that the relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government has been very cordial under his leadership.

According to the governor, the harmonious working relationship between the legislative and the executive arms of government has brought peace and development to the state under the present administration.

While congratulating the G.O. over the progress of his church, Akeredolu charged the people to be more committed to the work of God and contribute generously towards the development of the church of God.

In his goodwill message, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde rejoiced with the Speaker on the feat attained, wishing him many more blissful and prosperous years in life.

While speaking with journalists,  Oleyelogun, who could not hide his joy, appreciated God for keeping him alive to witness the day which he described as very great. The SOWSEC founder appreciated God for His grace, noting that doing the work of God has added value to his life.

When asked how he has been able to successfully combine politics with being a founder, the Speaker simply said “it is very simple and easy”.

According to him, being a man of God has further guided him in his political career to always do what is right and just in the sight of God so as not to go against him. He said sincere service to humanity is acceptable to God, noting that any man that must serve and lead his people must be God- fearing.

“Because the fear of God is in me it is very easy for me to combine politics with the work of God even as a founder. The fear of God has been guiding my activities,” he emphasised.

The event also featured prayers for the state, the governor and cabinet members, the Speaker and the Assembly members, launching of the church magazine, calendar and internal church auditorium, special testimonies, prophetic ministration, choreography presentation and cutting of anniversary/birthday cake among others.

Also in attendance at the special thanksgiving were royal fathers, invited ministers, guests and other well-wishers.

In his sermon at the event, Rev’d Cannon Enoch Adepoju admonished Christians to always walk wisely and ensure they are in the Lord.