On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Bishop Stephen Fagbemi, the head of the Owo Anglican Diocese, spoke out against the lawmaker representing the Owo/Ose federal constituency, Timehin Adelegbe. The Bishop said that Adelegbe has been hard to reach and hasn’t been serving his people well since he started his job almost six years ago.
During a church event at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew in Owo, Ondo State, Bishop Fagbemi expressed frustration over the lawmaker’s lack of communication with his voters. He said that many people from the community had been complaining about how difficult it was to contact him.
“You have not been accessible to those that voted for you since you went to Abuja. Your number is no longer available again,” said the Bishop.
“Please let your number be available whenever we call you. Your phone is only reachable now that you’re in the church. Please let your number be accessible after you leave this church,” the Bishop urged.
The Bishop also took the time to praise Adelegbe’s colleague, Adegboyega Adefarati, who represents the Akoko South East and Akoko South West Federal Constituency. He commended Adefarati for his hard work and commitment to his community, saying that Adefarati has been good to his people and is easy to reach.
Bishop Fagbemi encouraged other political leaders to keep the promises they made during elections and always be there for the people who voted for them.
In response to the Bishop’s comments, Adelegbe spoke through his media aide, Olaniyi Eni-Olotu. He called the Bishop’s remarks unfair and said they were meant to hurt his reputation.
“One would expect a message of love, truth, and unity from the altar of God, not one borne out of shared hatred and aimed primarily at tarnishing someone’s image without just cause,” said the lawmaker’s spokesperson.
He added, “One would have preferred to ignore the statement, but due to the need to set the record straight, especially since it was made by a highly respected clergyman during his church service, it must be addressed.”
