Clerics urged to shun Ostentation, emulate Late Bishop Agbanu

By Uzo Ugwunze

Christians and Clerics have been urged to shun ostentatious living, pride and avarice but rather endeavour to discover the purpose of their calling by embracing the virtues of meekness and obedience to God’s words.

The admonition was given as worshipers and wellwishers poured tributes during the 20 years rememberance/ memorial service of Late Rt Rev John Agbanu the founder of Light of Yahweh Synagogue Awuda Nnobi, Idemili South Local Government Area, Amambra State.

It was a fellowship of sober reflection as the friends, family church members and proteges of Late Bishop John Agbanu eulogized the virtues of the patriarch which were the opposite of the lifestyles of most of the present day clerics who make merchandise of unsuspecting members of their congregation.

Describing his encounter with Late Agbanu, a guest speaker, Bishop Christian Ifejika who was formerly an international businessmen said that after suffering protracted illness for over two years he was rushed to the synagogue where he got healed.

“When I was living with him, we were erecting a perimeter fence around his compound and his brother came and complained that our master encroached into his potion of land. Late John instructed us to lose the fence immediately. Instead of quarreling with anyone, he would rather be defrauded,” Ifejika said.

The only son of the late Primate and General Overseer, Light of Yahweh Synagogue, Bishop Bright Agbanu said that his late father was a man of unfeigned loyalty and humility who served God and his Master, Mark Onuabuchi faithfully.

“Even while bedridden before his death, my father mustered his last strength to kneel to welcome Mark Onuabuchi when he came from Amichi to visit him as a mark of respect, humility and loyalty. Those virtues made him the only person our High priest, Mark Onuabuchi conducted/attended his funeral service,” said Bright Agbanu.

According to his son in-law, Rt Rev. Samuel Okpala and his wife Lolo Chidimma Okpala, our Late Daddy taught us as gospel ministers to remain focused on the truth of God’s word. To shun avarice, the love money and materialism or else the Spirit of God will depart from you.

Moreso, Wife of the Late John Agbanu, Shepherd Mother, Pauline Agbanu said: “John Agbanu was exceptionally good. I will marry such man in my next world”.

Also, his daughter, Mrs Onyinyechi Chime, recalled that their father predicted that he would die on either a Wednesday Synagogue vigil or on a Sabbath day. He eventually died on a Wednesday after a vigil.

“The Nnobi community knew my father as a man of God with proven intergrity. In fact the night he died a might tree strategically positioned in Nnobi fell down in reality without any external force, symbolizing that a great man departed,”:Mrs Chime said.

His grandson, Chukwukelo Agbanu thanked God for a successful memorial service pledging that his generation will not disobey the God of his grandfather and father.” I will embrace the legacies of peace, fear of God and hospitality as practiced by our grandfather”.

Synagogue Chairman, Engr. Chinenye Onugha, Sabbath Men Fellowship National Interim Chairman, Cohen Chukwunwem Amakeze, Senior Elder Nonso Obiechina, Rev Dr. Elisha Esinoneze, Pastor Chukwuanu Animanjo of Mercy Ground Sabbath Mission, Egbu Umuenem Otolo Nnewi, were among the dignitaries who graced the memorial service in honor of the primate.

They prayed that God will help the present day christians/sabbatarians and clerics should embrace love and follow the legacies of the late founding father who left indelible footprints on the sand of times in his selfless service to God and humanity.

Information officer reporting from Idemili South LGA

Pics: Late Rt. Rev John Agbanu

Pics: General Overseer, Light of Yahweh Synagogue Awuda Nnobi, Bishop Bright Agbanu with his mother and sisters during the memorial service at Nnobi

Pics: Bishop Bright Agbanu with other dignitaries that graced the memorial service at Nnobi