24/03/2026
*PUBLIC DISCLAIMER AND REAFFIRMATION OF AUTHORITY*
_*Kwara Diocese of The African Church*_
The Kwara Diocese of The African Church hereby issues this statement in the interest of public clarity, institutional integrity, and the preservation of lawful ecclesiastical governance, and to place on record its categorical position regarding recent unauthorized representations made by certain individuals or groups.
The Kwara Diocese remains a highly spiritual and orderly ecclesiastical establishment, governed by the Constitution, doctrines, and established canonical procedures of the Church. The Diocese is firmly committed to the preservation of the sanctity, unity, and lawful administration of the Church, and the faithful members remain intentional and vigilant in safeguarding the sacred heritage and institutional continuity of the Diocese.
For the avoidance of doubt, the recognized headquarters and seat of authority of the Diocese remains:
The African Church, Christ Cathedral, Ogidiri, Offa, which continues to function as the lawful spiritual and administrative centre of the Diocese.
The Diocese hereby formally states and places on record that:
1. The Office of the Bishop of the Diocese is presently vacant.
2. The administration of the Diocese is currently and lawfully being overseen by the Vice Lay President, Prince Gbadebo Bukoye, acting within the scope of authority recognized under the governing instruments and established procedures of the Church.
3. No other individual or group has been authorized, elected, recognized, or vested with executive authority to administer the affairs of the Diocese outside the existing lawful leadership structure.
The Diocese therefore unequivocally disclaims, repudiates, and rejects the claims being circulated by certain persons purporting to have elected or constituted a new set of executives separate from the administration led by Prince Gbadebo Bukoye.
Such claims are hereby declared to be:
• False and misleading in fact and in law
• Ultra vires and inconsistent with the Constitution and governance framework of the Church
• Null, void, and of no legal, ecclesiastical, or administrative effect whatsoever
Accordingly, the Diocese hereby places the general public, members of the Church, governmental authorities, partner institutions, and all relevant stakeholders on formal notice that:
Any meetings, pronouncements, publications, directives, or representations made by unauthorized persons or groups purporting to act on behalf of the Kwara Diocese of The African Church are without authority and should be treated as invalid and non-binding.
Any person or entity that knowingly relies on, collaborates with, or gives effect to such unauthorized actions does so at their own risk.
The Diocese expressly reserves all legal, equitable, and canonical rights and remedies available to it under applicable laws, ecclesiastical regulations, and governing instruments, including but not limited to the right to institute civil, administrative, or disciplinary proceedings where necessary to protect the integrity, assets, and lawful governance of the Diocese.
This statement is issued without prejudice to any ongoing or contemplated legal or ecclesiastical proceedings and shall serve as a formal public record of the Diocese’s position on the matters herein addressed.
The Kwara Diocese remains steadfast in its commitment to lawful governance, spiritual discipline, peace, and the preservation of the sacred order of the Church. All faithful members and stakeholders are encouraged to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of the legitimate structures of authority within the Church.
_*Signed:*_
*DIOCESAN MEDIA TEAM*
