Search has begun for a new president of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) for possible replacement of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor whose tenure will expire in February 2013.
It would be recalled that few months after Oritsejafor took over the mantle of leadership of Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN), he indicated his intention to resign his appointment as PFN president due to increased activities involving a lot of travelling, meetings and other commitments.
This stirred controversy among leaders of the body as some top members were against Oritsejafor’s deputy Dr. Mercy Ezekiel of taking over as president as they were mostly gender biased.
DailyPost gathered that Pastor Wale Adefarasin, Pastor Wale Oke, Rev Felix Omobude were among the persons gunning for the position.
Reliable insiders said that Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of Fountian of Life Church who was said to be a preferred choice for the position, has rescinded his decision.
The source said, “However, now that the race for the PFN presidency is gathering steam, candidates have continued to signify their interest in the office.
“The candidate who has always been on the move wooing people to support his candidature is Oke. He’s said to enjoy a close relationship with Oritsejafor, being the National Vice-President (South-West).
“Meanwhile, Wale’s choice was applauded by all because of his unassuming, suave and gentlemanly disposition to issues. And indeed, Adefarasin’s tenure as Lagos PFN chairman did restore unity, direction and integrity to the body. That feat might have been a factor that earned him the office of the National Secretary when Oritsejafor succeeded Okonkwo.
“Pastor Paul Adefarasin is also said to have been working assiduously behind the scene to succeed Oritsejafor but he noticed that the national leaders would prefer him to wait for his turn.
“A group of influential pastors in the Pentecostal fold is backing (Wale) Adefarasin for the race. With this development, Paul’s ambition may have to wait or never materialise if Wale should win.
“As at the last count, nobody can really say which direction the national leaders are going because they determine who the next PFN president would be. But it is obvious that the major contenders are: Oke, Adefarasin and Felix Omobude.”
Election into the position has been slated for February 2013.
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