Globaltimes 
…as Lagos Methodist Prelate Calls for Muslim Governor in 2027
BY TAIWO OGUNMOLA -OMILANI
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has acknowledged 2024 as a challenging year but emphasized the need to thank God for His mercies.
Speaking at the 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Service and End of the Year Party of the Assembly on December 13, 2024, themed “Voice of Mercy.
Obasa noted that Nigerians could find solace in President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing the nation.
Highlighting the event’s theme, Obasa reflected on God’s compassion, citing Psalm 103:8 and other Bible verses.
He urged Lagosians to remain hopeful and trust that Tinubu’s administration was working tirelessly to bring succor to Nigerians amid economic difficulties. “As we reflect on God’s mercy, let us also remember our responsibility to show mercy to others,” he added.
The Speaker also expressed gratitude for the contributions of religious leaders, whose presence, he said, served as a beacon of hope and inspiration. He encouraged residents to continue supporting one another through acts of kindness and compassion, emphasizing the enduring message of mercy and grace in uncertain times.
Archbishop Dr. Moses Ayo Olawuyi, the event’s guest speaker and head of Lagos Methodist Church, praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his collaborative efforts with the Assembly. He called for a Muslim governor to succeed Sanwo-Olu in 2027, citing the importance of religious inclusivity in governance.
In his sermon, Olawuyi stressed the significance of God’s mercy, quoting Lamentations 3:22-23: “It is by His mercies that we are not consumed.” He urged Lagosians to rely on God’s mercy rather than human efforts, noting that mercy could break protocols and transform situations for good.
The Archbishop provided biblical examples of mercy, including Bartimaeus, the blind man, and the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. He also highlighted the Good Samaritan’s story as a call for everyone to show love and kindness to others. “When God’s mercy is upon you, all things become possible,” he affirmed.
Olawuyi advised Nigerians to prioritize acts of mercy to address societal challenges such as hunger and protests. He encouraged prayers for God’s mercy to help the nation overcome its predicaments and called for unity and love among all citizens.
Dignitaries at the event included representatives of the state governor, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos (represented by Chief Abdulateef Aderibigbe Ajose), lawmakers, traditional leaders, and politicians. The gathering ended with a collective prayer for Lagos State and the nation to continue thriving under God’s mercy.
