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Seth Irunsewe Kale: Nigerian Anglican Bishop and Educator

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Born: 6 June 1904
Died: 19 November 1994
Titles: MBE, OON, CFR
Notable Roles: Principal, CMS Grammar School, Lagos; Bishop of Lagos

Early Life and Education

Seth Irunsewe Kale was born on 6 June 1904 during the British colonial period in Nigeria. Raised in a Christian family, he came of age in an era when missionary education offered one of the few avenues for Nigerians to advance academically and professionally.

He attended CMS Grammar School, Lagos, the first secondary school in Nigeria, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone. At Fourah Bay, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology, equipping him for a dual career in education and the Anglican ministry. His formative years in both institutions instilled in him a blend of intellectual discipline, moral integrity, and Christian devotion that would define his life’s work.

Career in Education

In 1944, Kale was appointed Principal of CMS Grammar School, Lagos, a position he held until 1950. His tenure coincided with Nigeria’s nationalist awakening, as the push for self-government gained momentum.

Under his leadership, the school maintained its reputation for academic excellence and Christian discipline while also nurturing students who would later play influential roles in politics, academia, and church leadership. Kale’s stewardship helped solidify CMS Grammar School’s position as a premier educational institution in West Africa during a transformative period in Nigerian history.

Ecclesiastical Career

Kale’s calling extended into the higher ranks of the Anglican Church.

In 1960, he was consecrated Assistant Bishop of Lagos, reflecting his growing prominence within the Church Missionary Society’s Nigerian structure.

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By 1963, he was elevated to Bishop of Lagos, one of the most prestigious dioceses in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). He served in this capacity until 1974.

As Bishop, Kale oversaw the church during a turbulent post-independence period marked by political instability and the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). He worked to strengthen the church’s institutional presence, promote unity, and ensure that Anglicanism remained a stabilizing moral force in society.

Honors and Recognition

Kale’s service was recognized both within and beyond Nigeria:

He was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) during the colonial era.
After independence, the Nigerian government honored him with the titles of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

These awards reflected his dual contributions as both an ecclesiastical leader and a nation-builder.

Later Life and Death

After his retirement in 1974, Kale continued to serve as a respected elder statesman of the church. His wisdom was sought on matters of faith, education, and governance, and he remained deeply connected to the Anglican community until his passing.

He died on 19 November 1994, at the age of 90.

Legacy

Seth Irunsewe Kale is remembered as one of the foundational figures of Nigerian Anglicanism in the twentieth century. As Principal of CMS Grammar School, he helped mold a generation of leaders at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. As Bishop of Lagos, he provided stability and spiritual guidance during Nigeria’s early years of independence.

His life bridged the missionary-led church of the colonial period and the African-led Anglican Church that emerged in the post-independence era. Kale’s legacy continues to be honored within both educational and ecclesiastical circles as a symbol of integrity, scholarship, and faithful service.

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Sources:
Storer, Richard. Biographical Dictionary of Christian Missions (1974)

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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14 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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17 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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18 hours ago

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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