The week-long actions lined up in celebration of the fortieth priestly ordination anniversary of the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, ended on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 in grand type and glitz.
A number of the actions which have been massively attended in honour of Bishop Badejo included collection of Holy Lots held at Our Woman of Assumption Cathedral, Asogo, Oyo, official blessing and commissioning of the Diocesan Secretariat and different occasions by {groups} and associations.
Appreciating the standard management and impacts of Bishop Badejo, college students of St. Cecilia Music Coaching Centre rolled out drums in celebration of their Chief Shepherd’s anniversary.
They showered encomiums on the bishop whom they described as a musical icon, lover of Godly songs and a non secular chief who works in the direction of seeing youths develop.
The occasions neared climax with a particular celebration organised by clergymen of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo. It was a second of pleasure as Bishop Badejo joined his clergymen in dancing and praising God.
Gaudete evening was one other memorable second the place bishops, clergymen, lay devoted and non secular reminisced on the journey of Bishop Badejo in his divine ministry as totally different audio system testified to the religious and bodily achievements of the prelate.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the occasions have been rounded off with a thanksgiving Mass at St. Bernardine Catholic Church, Owode, Oyo.
The solemn celebration introduced collectively bishops, clergymen, spiritual, and lay devoted from inside and out of doors the Diocese, united in gratitude to God for Bishop Badejo’s 4 a long time of devoted, dedicated, and fruitful service within the priesthood.
In his remarks, the Vicar Normal of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola, expressed deep appreciation to God and to everybody throughout the Diocese and past who got here to rejoice with the Bishop.
He shared a private reminiscence, recalling that he was simply twelve years previous when Bishop Emmanuel Badejo was ordained, describing it as the primary priestly ordination he ever witnessed.
Fr Wuraola counseled the planning committee, led by Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Olabode, for his or her dedication, sacrifices, and tireless efforts all through the anniversary celebrations, and prayed for all parishioners and benefactors who contributed in numerous methods, asking God to reward them abundantly.
He additionally acknowledged the overwhelming assist acquired from outdoors the Diocese, noting that it went far past expectations.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Olabode, formally acknowledged the presence of bishops, clergymen, spiritual, and lay devoted, whereas specifically appreciating members of the committee for his or her rigorous behind-the-scenes work.
He thanked God for the successes already recorded throughout the anniversary celebrations, together with the blessing of the brand new Diocesan Secretariat, the presentation of a brand-new automobile to the Bishop, and different milestones achieved thus far, praying for God’s continued provision for the Diocese.
In his vote of thanks, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, the supply of his vocation, whose sustaining grace has guided him via forty years of priestly ministry. He described the celebration, not merely as a private milestone, however as an affidavit to God’s unfailing faithfulness throughout each season of his journey.
His Lordship prolonged heartfelt appreciation to the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, for his fatherly presence, prayers, and encouragement, in addition to to the bishops current and people unavoidably absent who despatched representatives, affirming the unity and fraternity of the episcopal household.
He additionally acknowledged the Emeritus Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Jacob Alaba Job, whose lifelong dedication and repair stay a supply of inspiration to the Church.
The Bishop additional thanked the clergymen who’ve journeyed with him through the years, mentioning in a particular means Monsignor Anthony Olawumi, his instructor throughout seminary formation, whose steering and mentorship helped form his priestly basis. The prelate expressed deep gratitude to the clergymen and non secular of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo for his or her cooperation, dedication, and shared dedication to the work of evangelisation.
Addressing the youth, Bishop Badejo affirmed that they maintain a particular place in his coronary heart and reminded them that they aren’t solely the way forward for tomorrow but additionally the power of at this time. He inspired them to take heed to the knowledge of elders, embrace self-discipline, humility, and religion, and rise above distractions to be able to construct a greater Church and society.
The celebration additionally featured goodwill messages and interviews from members of the Diocese who testified to the Bishop’s simplicity, accessibility, religious depth, and fatherly management. Many described him as a shepherd who is aware of his folks by identify, believes strongly within the youth, and evokes hope, unity, and development wherever he serves.
The anniversary celebration concluded with prayers of thanksgiving, because the devoted entrusted His Lordship and the Diocese of Oyo to God’s continued steering, praying for a lot of extra years of fruitful service within the winery of the Lord.
