In an attempt to make political officeholders accountable to the people, the Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, Revd. Stephen Fagbemi, has condemned the poor performance of the lawmaker representing Owo/Ose federal constituency, Ondo State, at the House of Representatives, Timehin Adelegbe.

The maverick and intrepid cleric is known for telling public officeholders, irrespective of their status, their failures in office and how these are affecting the masses.

Speaking during the Memorial service at Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Imola, Owo in Ondo State, Bishop Fagbemi condemned Adelegbe for absconding his constituency and switching off his mobile line to prevent his constituents from having access to him as soon as he got their mandate for second term.

He, however, commended another federal lawmaker, Adegboyega Adefarati, representing Akoko South East/Akoko South West federal constituency, for impacting on the lives of the people and the constituency,

But Adelegbe has debunked the claims of the minister God, alleging him(Bishop) of attempting to tarnish his reputation out of ‘sheer hatred.’

During his sermon, Bishop Fagbemi succinctly said: “You(Adelegbe) have not been accessible to those who voted for you since you went to Abuja. Your number is no longer available again. Please, let your number be available whenever we call you.“

The cleric also implored government at all levels the need to prioritize agriculture and security to amelioration the socio-economic challenges being faced by the federation.

In a rebuttal, front loaded by his media aide, Olaniyi Eni-Olotu, the lawmaker condemned the Bishop’s claim, saying it’s far from the truth.

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He reeled out some empowerment programmes he did and items distributed to the people including students, market women and artisans.

The lawmaker also claimed that he had initiated and completed some unlisted projects and had released N300 million for the completion of some unidentified projects.

The statement reads inter alia: “It is on record that Otunba Dr. Timehin Adelegbe has been recognized by his constituents as a true representative who genuinely cares for his people, considering his monumental achievements in the Owo/Ose Federal Constituency over the last six years.

“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.

“In this year alone, Otunba Timehin Adelegbe spent time with his people during the sixth edition of his mega empowerment programme for students, artisans, market women, and various other groups. Many participants went home with tricycles, motorcycles, hair dryers, laptops, cash grants, pumping machines, generators, and deep freezers, among other items.

“Beyond this, many projects initiated by him have been completed, and he has recently released N300 million to fast-track the completion of all ongoing projects in the constituency.

“It seems Bishop Fagbemi is unaware that Otunba Dr. Timehin Adelegbe spent over a fortnight with his constituents celebrating the Yuletide season.

“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.”