The Ven. Emmanuel Ayo Ariire Kolawole Installed as 7th Dean of AVMCC, GRA, Ikeja.

The Venerable Emmanuel Ariire Kolawole has been officially installed as the 7th Dean of Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMCC), GRA, Ikeja, during a solemn Service of Installation, Institution and Induction held on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

The historic service was presided over by The Rt. Revd. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji, Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, who also instituted seven priests as Statutory Canons of the Cathedral: Revd. Canon Olukayode Tope Fashogbon, Revd. Canon Innocent Ikechukwu Okonkwo, Revd. Canon Olabode Olalekan Daramola, Revd. Canon Samson Sedoten Ogabi, Revd. Canon Michael Oyedele Fagbemi, Revd. Canon Akintunde Richard Oke, and Revd. Canon Opeyemi Ebenezer Ibikunle.

The colourful and well-attended service attracted Bishops, Clergymen, former Deans, Cathedral and Diocesan Officials, Family members, friends and Anglican faithful from across the Diocese, making it a remarkable milestone in the life of the Cathedral.

Preaching on the theme, “God Demands Total Obedience,” Bishop Odedeji emphasized that unwavering obedience to God is the bedrock of effective Christian leadership and ministry. He noted that genuine obedience requires complete submission to God’s will, even when His instructions seem difficult or contrary to human understanding. According to him, obedience is the clearest evidence of a true relationship with God and the pathway to fruitfulness, divine favour and lasting impact in His kingdom.

Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the new Dean, the Bishop recalled a challenging period when Ven. Kolawole considered resigning from full-time ministry but was strengthened through prayer, encouragement and divine direction. He commended the Dean’s integrity, humility, perseverance and steadfast commitment to God’s work, highlighting his exemplary leadership in previous ministerial assignments as preparation for this significant office.

Charging the new Dean, Bishop Odedeji urged him to remain steadfast in his divine calling, resist distractions, and prioritize faithful service above personal ambition, assuring him that God honours those who serve Him with unwavering dedication.

The installation of Ven. Emmanuel Ariire Kolawole marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, with great expectations for continued spiritual growth, impactful leadership and faithful service to God and His Church.