The Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ijebu Land, Chief Christian Olufunlola Okunowo, has called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ijebu chapters to strengthen unity within the body, lamenting the low representation of chapters at the recent association event.
Chief Okunowo expressed concern that out of the expected fifteen CAN chapters and the Liaison Office, only about five chapters were represented. He also challenged the leadership of the association to shift focus away from money, which he described as a major problem confronting the body, and to return to its spiritual foundation.
The Asiwaju made these remarks during the 2026 Week of Prayer, Day Two Special Visitation, held last Tuesday at his Goodwill Lodge in Imepe, when CAN members paid him a courtesy visit.
Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the association, Chief Okunowo noted that he had hosted CAN annually for 37 years and could clearly observe a decline in cohesion. He admonished members to reassess themselves and embrace truth and unity, warning that continued disunity could force him to withdraw his support.
In his words:
“No matter what one does in life, you must always go back to review your activities. If you fail to review your activities, then you are not moving forward; you are just wasting your time. I have seen a lot in the last one year, but I am a very patient person. I know when to cut the tape, and I will not look back.”
While stating that he did not know the exact reason for the poor turnout, the Asiwaju stressed the need for self-examination within the association, maintaining that truth and righteousness must be upheld at all times.
Addressing what he described as one of the major issues in CAN, he said:
“One of the arguments in CAN right now is money. Don’t make money the object of your service. Money will come; what we should bother about is peace.”
He further advised the association not to be miserly in organizing its annual programmes, urging leaders to invest
properly in planning and execution to ensure successful and impactful events.
“Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Give people the best and don’t withhold what should be done to make programmes colourful and enjoyable,” he added.
Responding to requests presented by the CAN LCDA Chapter Chairman, Bishop Olalekan Wasiu (JP), Chief Okunowo also criticized the association’s poor maintenance culture, citing a previously donated vehicle that was not properly maintained. However, he assured members that the Interregnum Council chairman and members would look into the matter and make necessary provisions as same were presented at the Awujale’s palace the previous day and the Ogbeni Oja who is the chairman of the interregnum had made commitment.
Reacting to the Asiwaju’s comments, the Liaison Officer for CAN Ogun East Senatorial District, Pastor Idowu Martins, acknowledged that Chief Okunowo had valid concerns but suggested that leadership struggles were at the root of the challenges.
“Everyone wants to be a leader,” he said, describing the situation as a misunderstanding rather than a crisis, and expressing confidence that it would soon be resolved.
Pastor Martins confirmed the low turnout of chapters and noted that the Asiwaju, as the Asiwaju of Ijebu Land, had the right to express displeasure. However, he alleged that leadership issues within Ijebu-Ode had limited broader participation, adding that rivalry among chapter leaders had affected unity.
He also pointed out lingering disagreements between the Ijebu-Ode Local Government and LCDA chapters, which he said had further strained relations within the body.
Meanwhile, the two chairmen involved, Bishop Wasiu and Bishop Dr Taiwo, admitted that there had been rifts between them but described the situation as a teething period caused by administrative misunderstandings. They assured that the issues had been resolved and pledged to coexist peacefully going forward.
On allegations of materialism, all three leaders interviewed agreed that while financial resources are necessary for operations, money would not be allowed to overshadow spiritual responsibilities. Bishop Wasiu emphasized that spirituality would remain the core focus of the association despite unavoidable financial needs.
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