MCN Lagos Mainland Diocese

Elliot Memorial Methodist Church was passed from Olowogbowo Methodist to Yaba. In September 1962, when Yaba became a separate Circuit, she took over the responsibility of developing Iju Society.

The Journey to a Circuit Status began again through the efforts of the Rt. Rev. Dr. S.O. Olaoye, who in 1994 as Presbyter of Yaba Circuit spurred us to apply for a section status. This application was made in October 1995. The recommendation was made to the Diocesan Synod in March 1996 and granted by the Conference later in that year. The approval of the Section Status also coincided with the preferment of our Minister, The Rev. J.A. Akinola to become a Presbyter. This was double joy to us in Iju. To God be the Glory! In August 1998, at the Conference held at Okitipupa in Igbobini Diocese, Iju was granted a Circuit Status having been so recommended by the Lagos Mainland Diocese. At the same time, The Very Rev. J.A. Akinola was confirmed as Presbyter, Iju Circuit.

Elliot Memorial Methodist Church
Olori/Akute Methodist Church
Oke Aro Methodist Church

Churches in this Circuit

Preaching Stations

Ajuwon Preaching Station
Kajola-Obawole Preaching Station
Isasi Preaching Station
Adiyan Preaching Station

IJU CIRCUIT

Iju Society was a village Church formed as a Preaching Station in November 1934 mainly by some Methodist members who were then worshiping at the United Native African Church (U.N.A.), Iju Aga. The newly formed Church was then under the Methodist Church Olowogbowo Circuit under the superintendence of the Late Rev. M.O. Dada, O.B.E.

In June 1940, under the able leadership of Daddy Ogundiran and Pa Elliot, the members built a Church on a piece of land which was donated by Pa E.S. Elliot in a place popularly called “Mosafejo” near Iju Water Works. The membership of the Church oscillated with the transfers (in and out) of Government and Mercantile workers who, at the time, formed the bulk of the membership of the Church.

The authority of Olowogbowo Circuit took keen interest in the development of the Church. Members of Olowogbowo Society in particular paid constant visits to the Church to encourage the members. Late Pa S.O. Ajayi of Obun Eko Society also took prominent part in the development of the Church. In his lifetime, he made every effort to ensure that the Church maintained the ownership of the land. He caused late Bro. J.A. Aganga Williams of Olowogbowo Society to prepare the first survey plan of the land to prevent people from encroaching on it.

In spite of this measure, however, land speculators succeeded in acquiring part of the land for building. The Government also acquired part of the land for the construction of the road adjacent to the Church Building.

In September 1962, when Yaba became a separate Circuit, she took over the responsibility of developing Iju Society. At the early stage there was no Evangelist posted to Iju Society. Preachers from different Churches within Olowogbowo Circuit were planned to conduct services there until 1958, when late Bro. H.O. Olukokun was transferred to Iju as the resident Evangelist, He did every thing to revive all activities of the Church by his visitations and weekly meetings.

A Church organisation within Yaba Society, The Men’s Christian League, adopted Iju Society by mid sixties, paid quarterly visits to Iju and worshiped with the members, organized the Annual Harvest Thanksgiving Service regularly, also arranged transport for Yaba members. This greatly helped Iju Society financially to fulfill her obligations to the Circuit.

These are all the Circuit Stewards till date: