Clergy faults Ondo CP’s suspension of church activities advisory

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Senior Pastor of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ Ministry, Adewale Giwa, has criticised the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, for advising churches to suspend night programmes in order to curb the surge of kidnappings within the state.

Giwa described the recommendation as cowardly and unfortunate, insisting that it is the responsibility of security agencies to safeguard worship centres rather than create fear among residents.

The cleric, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, urged the police to deploy adequate security for churches across the state instead of advising congregations to halt their programmes.

According to him, no authority has the right to determine when Christians should worship, stressing that religious freedom must be protected at all times.

Giwa further called on the Ondo State Government to support the police with modern security tools, including drones and other technological equipment, to strengthen crime-fighting efforts.

He said, “After carefully reviewing the statement credited to the Ondo State Commissioner of Police advising churches to suspend night activities, I consider the position cowardly, disappointing and unfortunate. The duty of the police is to enforce the law, protect lives and property, prevent crime and maintain public order.”