By Ayodele Oni
Retiring Archbishop of Akure Diocese Anglican Communion, the Most Rev’d Simeon Oluwole Borokini, is in an alleged financial scandal for expending the sum of N200 million Church fund on a personal building.
A petition from the congregation is accusing the Archbishop and his wife, Princess Christianah Adetunbi Borokini, of administrative failure, financial misconduct, and abuse of office.
The petition, dated March 28, 2026, was addressed to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and reportedly submitted by representatives of 19 Archdeaconries and the Cathedral.
Copies were also sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commissioner of Police.
The petitioners accused Archbishop Borokini of failing to effectively manage Diocesan affairs, while alleging that his wife assumed undue control over both administrative and spiritual matters within the Diocese.
*Alleged Administrative Takeover by Bishop’s Wife*
‘Central to the allegations is Mrs. Borokini’s appointment as Principal of St. Mathias Secondary School in 2021.
“The petition described the appointment as irregular and claimed it enabled her to dominate the administration and finances of both St. Mathias Secondary School and Bishop Falope Nursery and Primary School.
“According to the petition, student enrolment at St. Mathias reportedly fell from 602 in 2021 to 62 by 2025. The petitioners also alleged that established financial procedures were bypassed, citing the unilateral appointment of new signatories to school accounts.
*Claims of Financial Impropriety*
The petition further alleged that both the Diocese and school funds were diverted into personal accounts and that Mrs. Borokini operated as sole signatory on several accounts, contrary to laid-down regulations.
“Specific allegations included the mishandling of funds meant for WAEC fees, chapel renovation, entrepreneurship projects, and school programmes.
“The petition also cited an instance where parents allegedly paid ₦8,500 for inter-house sports that was later cancelled without refunds.
“Additionally, the petition claimed that Mrs. Borokini’s daughter, Oluwatosin Borokini-Ojo, had improper access to school funds and continued to receive salary payments despite being a civil servant.
*Unaccounted Revenues and Donations*
Petitioners further alleged that revenues from oil palm operations, timber sales, school facilities, retreat centres, and major donations were not properly accounted for.
“Among the figures mentioned were ₦50 million allegedly received from the NDDC for widows and ₦20 million reportedly donated by St. David’s Cathedral, Akure, and St. Michael’s Church, Ilara-Mokin.
“Concerns were also raised over what the petition described as ‘multiple suspicious accounts’ allegedly opened and operated outside official diocesan structures.
*Alleged Unauthorized Sale of Assets*
The petition accused Mrs. Borokini of involvement in the unauthorized sale of Diocesan land and assets, including plots belonging to St. Mathias Secondary School. It claimed that Diocesan legal officers had found her liable but that no disciplinary action was taken.
“Other assets allegedly sold without approval include four plots of land behind Fiwasaye Grammar School and several vehicles, including a water truck, a bus, and a Hilux.
*Retirement and Governance Controversies*
Archbishop Borokini was also accused of financial recklessness in relation to his retirement plans. The petition alleged that over ₦200 million of diocesan funds were spent on a personal residence in Alagbaka without proper approval, and that the retirement home of his predecessor, Rt. Rev. Ipinmoye, remains incomplete.
“The petition further accused the Archbishop of disregarding the Primate’s directive for peace following a 2025 crisis over the attempted removal of the Cathedral Dean, alleging that several officials were later removed from office for supporting the Dean.
*Calls for Investigation and Accountability*
Among the demands listed are the suspension of the Archbishop’s retirement activities, a halt to construction of his retirement home, and the immediate relief of Mrs. Borokini from all administrative and financial responsibilities.
The petitioners also called for a full forensic audit of Diocesan finances since 2014, recovery of allegedly misappropriated assets, and the establishment of an independent investigative panel involving ICAN and the Nigerian Bar Association.
“Public office is a responsibility, not a privilege shrouded in secrecy. The time to speak is now. Silence is no longer acceptable”, the petition stated.
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