“Bishop Fagbemi Slams Owo Lawmaker Adelegbe for Inaccessibility, Accuses Him of Abandoning Constituents

The Bishop of the Owo Anglican Diocese, Stephen Fagbemi, has called out the lawmaker representing the Owo/Ose federal constituency, Timehin Adelegbe, accusing him of being inaccessible to his constituents.

Fagbemi made the remarks during a church programme at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Imola Owo, in Owo Local Council Area of Ondo State. According to the bishop, since Adelegbe’s election nearly six years ago, there have been continuous complaints from constituents about his lack of availability.

“You have not been accessible to those who voted for you since you went to Abuja. Your number is no longer available,” Bishop Fagbemi said. “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.”

In his address, Fagbemi also praised Adelegbe’s counterpart, Adegboyega Adefarati, who represents the Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency. The bishop commended Adefarati for being accessible and for his commitment to the welfare of his people, noting that his constituents had expressed positive feedback regarding his performance.

Fagbemi urged all political office holders to uphold their electoral promises and ensure they are reachable to the people they represent, emphasizing that accessibility is crucial to effective leadership.

However, Adelegbe quickly responded to the bishop’s remarks, accusing the clergyman of harboring ill will and seeking to tarnish his reputation. Through his media aide, Olaniyi Eni-Olotu, the lawmaker refuted the accusations and expressed his disappointment at the bishop’s comments.

“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,” Adelegbe’s response read. “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.”

The exchange between the bishop and the lawmaker has sparked public debate, raising concerns about the relationship between elected officials and the communities they represent.