Hardship: Leaders’ lavish lifestyle undermines public confidence – Ladipo-Ajayi

Venerable Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi is the Dean of the Cathedral Church of Christ in Yewa Diocese, Ogun State. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he reflects on his 43-year insurance career, including 23 years as managing director and chief executive of two companies, his commitment to the priesthood, lessons for young Nigerians and the need for political leaders to share in the sacrifices demanded by economic reforms.

LOOKING back on your professional journey, how would you describe your career in the insurance industry?

I had two vocations: insurance and the priesthood. Although I trained in law, I did not pursue legal practice because I had promised God that I would serve Him after completing my secular career. My journey began in 1973 when I joined Sun Insurance as an articled clerk. Through hard work, professional examinations and continuous learning, I rose through the ranks and eventually headed two insurance companies.

The industry was still developing when I joined, and opportunities existed for people willing to work hard and improve themselves. I spent 43 years in insurance, 23 of them as managing director and chief executive. I also witnessed Nigeria’s economic transformation, from a period when I could buy a brand-new station wagon for ₦2,750 in 1978 to the economic difficulties that followed austerity measures and the Structural Adjustment Programme. My journey was not without challenges, but there was an enabling environment. Hard work is important, but opportunities must also exist for people to succeed.

What inspired your decision to become a priest while still pursuing a successful corporate career?

During difficult periods in my career, I sought God’s help and promised that if He enabled me to complete my secular career successfully, I would serve Him as a non-stipendiary priest. I became a priest in 2008, at the age of 52, while still working in insurance. After eight years of combining both responsibilities, I became a full-time non-stipendiary priest in 2016.

I wanted to serve God without making the Church another source of income. I am grateful that, by His grace, I have been able to fulfil my commitment. My professional journey also taught me resilience. When I failed an examination, I registered for another almost immediately. I refused to allow disappointment to stop me. Although I did not attend university immediately after secondary school, I returned later to acquire additional qualifications. The lesson is that education and self-development should never stop.

What lessons should young Nigerians learn from your career, particularly those seeking quick wealth?

Young people must understand that the decisions they make today will affect their future. Too many are searching for shortcuts instead of investing in knowledge, skills and professional development. Cyber fraud and other fraudulent activities may appear attractive because of the promise of quick money, but they cannot provide a secure and dignified future.

My career was built through examinations, experience, hard work and perseverance. Not attending university immediately after secondary school did not prevent me from pursuing further education. Young Nigerians should develop useful skills, build integrity and remain committed to legitimate work. Success requires patience, preparation and sacrifice.

Why did you choose to serve in Yewa Diocese rather than remain in Lagos?

When I became a priest, I observed that some areas in Yewa Diocese had fewer priests than they needed, while Lagos had a greater concentration of clergy. I reasoned that if I genuinely wanted to serve the Church, I should go where my services were most needed. I, therefore, chose Yewa Diocese.

For eight years, I combined my corporate responsibilities with ministry, travelling from Lagos to Yewa almost every weekend for church activities. My corporate experience also helped me in ministry. Managing organisations, dealing with trade unions and resolving complex relationships prepared me for the administrative responsibilities of the priesthood. Ministry is not just about preaching. It also involves managing people, resolving conflicts and using resources responsibly.

What has sustained you through the challenges of ministry?

I have learnt to depend on God. Ministry involves spiritual battles, and serving people means sharing in their struggles. You must, therefore, remain spiritually strong. I encourage those I serve to cast their burdens on Jesus Christ and remain steadfast in their faith. That conviction inspired the title of my autobiography, All the Way My Saviour Leads Me, which I would be launched on October 22. The title reflects my belief that God has guided me from my early career through corporate leadership and into the priesthood. I give Him all the glory.

You served as the first Dean of the Cathedral Church of Christ in Yewa Diocese. Would you describe yourself as a church planter?

Jesus Christ owns His Church. If God gives you the opportunity to establish a church or contribute to its growth, you should see it as a privilege rather than an opportunity to claim personal glory. We are only instruments in His hands, called to strengthen His work. All the resources, strength and energy we use come from Him.

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Regarding the cathedral, I was not the first person to head it. I was the fourth. My three predecessors were provosts, while I became the first to serve under the title of dean following a change in the Church’s constitution.

The distinction between a dean and a provost is largely constitutional and administrative. Both oversee the day-to-day affairs of a cathedral, while the bishop remains its overall head. Under the arrangement applicable to my appointment, a dean serves an initial three-year term, renewable once, subject to the relevant constitutional provisions.

God has indeed been my great support for what I have become today and I thank God for the grace that my dream to end the journey as a priest came to pass. It is a great delight that I am also retiring peacefully in the vineyard. I will be 70 on October 22, which is the mandatory age in the Anglican Communion, so my retirement thanksgiving, alongside a book launch, will take place on the same day.

You have defended the need for economic reforms, but many Nigerians believe ordinary citizens are bearing a disproportionate burden. Is the government doing enough to ease their suffering?

I believe some reforms are necessary to address longstanding structural problems. However, the government must demonstrate leadership by example.

The situation reminds me of medical treatment that causes pain but is intended to prevent a worse condition. Economic adjustments may be difficult, but the expectation is that they will eventually produce a healthier economy.

However, political leaders are undermining public confidence when they demand sacrifices from Nigerians while displaying excessive wealth and luxury.

During General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration, Peugeot 504 vehicles assembled in Nigeria were commonly used by public officials. The leadership’s patronage of locally assembled vehicles helped make them symbols of status.

Today, when Nigerians hear about public officials acquiring extremely expensive bulletproof vehicles while citizens struggle to afford basic necessities, they understandably question the example being set. You cannot tell people to do what you say but not what you do. Leaders must demonstrate restraint and show that they are also willing to make sacrifices.

My criticism is not that the government should abandon necessary reforms. Rather, those implementing them must demonstrate greater discipline in their lifestyles and spending. If leaders visibly share the burden, Nigerians are more likely to understand and accept the sacrifices being demanded of them.

What advice do you have for Nigerians as they prepare for future elections?

Nigerians must not believe everything politicians say. Political opponents who condemn one another today may become allies tomorrow when their interests change. We have seen politicians move between parties and campaign alongside people they previously criticised. Citizens must therefore exercise discernment.

Anyone who is constitutionally qualified has the right to contest an election. My responsibility is not to predict the winner or serve as anyone’s campaign manager, but to explain my convictions. I cannot dictate whom another person should vote for. Nigerians should choose the best candidate available, particularly someone who demonstrates purpose and a genuine willingness to change the country’s direction.

Ultimately, my message is that we must invest in our future, remain committed to our values and demand integrity from those entrusted with leadership.