Owo Diocese celebrates 40th anniversary, inducts Akeredolu, Ajasin, others into hall of fame

History was again made in the Diocese of Owo on Wednesday 1st March. 2023 as the Diocese celebrated 40 years of existence and inducted some past and serving heroes of the church into hall of fame. The Cathedral church of Saint Andrews Imola Owo was filled to capacity with dignitaries from within and outside the state who came to celebrate the inauguration of the diocese. It would be recalled that Owo Diocese was inaugurated on March 1, 1983, with the Late Rt. Revd. Abraham Awosan as the first enthroned Bishop. 

At a two-in-one program which began with a eucharist service, conducted by the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi. The induction into the hall of fame followed after the communion service. The Archbishop of Ondo Province, the Most Revd. Dr. Simeon Oluwole Borokini delivered the sermon. In his sermon, Archbishop Borokini appreciated God and all those God had used within the last 40 years to make the Diocese what it is today. He charged those who are still alive to take the baton and end the race well where the baton should also be handed over to another generation that may not be here when a centinary or certain years of anniversary will be celebrated.

"If God has touched you to bless, don't let it be difficult for you to touch others and to remember the needy around you", the bishop advised. He further charged parishioners not to wait until they are called to endow their parishes, and Diocese before they come out to promote God's work here on earth. 

In his address, the Lord Bishop of the Owo Anglican Diocese, Bishop Fagbemi recalled the memory lane of those who have laboured in the diocese. "If those of you who are alive today are receiving awards or certificates for those who have died, it is an indication to tell you to work more than the heroes who have gone so as to have your names written in gold", Fagbemi charged the representatives of the deceased heroes.

At the induction into the hall of fame, Bishop Fagbemi remarked, "we cannot have everybody's name nor photographs put in this place. The list is by no means exhaustive but for those who made the list today, it is a great honour and opportunity for them. This is a way of showing our appreciation for all you have done or still doing and to also challenge others" He lauded the roles of those who have gone to the world beyond, whose memories are being remembered for great things they have done.

37 members of the Diocese made the list of the inductees into the hall of fame. It was a combination of the ancient and, as well as, the modern. The diocesan clerical secretary, Ven. Dr. Olatunde Abiodun affirmed that this  honour is done for posterity.  The hall is enclosed in a magnificent building in the bishop's court which was built by the Chancellor of the Diocese in honour of his father. late Pa Gabriel Akeredolu who was the first lay reader in the diocese.

The present serving Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, who is the third chancellor of the Diocese, benefactor and pillar of support, as well as the first Executive Governor of Old Ondo State, Late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin and his wife, Ch. Mrs. Babafunke Ajasin was distinctly photographed in the hall. 

Past and serving Bishops of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Abraham Awosan (Late) who was the first enthroned Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Awelewa Adebiyi (second Bishop), Rt. Rev. Dr. James Adedayo Oladunjoye (third Bishop) and the sitting Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi were adorably displayed in the hall of fame.

Similarly, Ven. Nathaniel Olu Fasogbon (now Rtd Bishop) who was the first synod clerical secretary, Very Revd. S. S. Olayanju (now Rtd Bishop), the then Provost of the cathedral, and Late Rt. Revd. J. O. A. Fabuluje (first Son of the episcopate in the Diocese); these great church fathers who have laboured in the vineyard were honoured in the hall.

Besides, the legal luminaries who had laboured were not set aside. Late Honorable Justice S.F. Adeloye (first Chancellor), Justice Ade Alabi (initiator of individual hosting of synod and a synod host), Barr. Tokunbo Aderinboye. Sir Oladipo Okpeseyi (SAN) the present diocesan deputy chancellor, Lawyer Jacob Olu Tomisin, Chief J. A. Adebiyi (first registrar), and Barr. Mrs. Dupe Olomolehin (second registrar) were all dignified in the hall. 

The likes of Ch. J. T Olaniyan (a motivator and church leader), Ch. J. T. Asaniyan (a pioneer in the educational structures and related matters in the diocese), Chief Michael Okeowo (first treasurer), The Revd, Canon Johnson Olajide Fagboyegun (a cleric and business mogul who built many churches), Pa Gabbriel Akeredolu (first lay reader and church planter), Mr. Olu Akingbade, Chief Eruosanyin Koyejo, Chief J. O. Fakorede, Dr. T. I. Omotosho, and Chief Dola Oloro have their pictures in the hall.

In the same vein, Engr Funso Kupolokun (a two-time synod host), Senator Dr. Bode Olajumoke (the first synod host), Senator Titus Olupitan (sacrificial giver and philanthropist), Ch. Mrs. Abigail Adewole (supporter of the pastoral ministry), Chief Mrs. Winifred Awosika, Mama Alice Akerele (evangelist and supporter of the pastoral ministry), Princess Tola Aworh (the first female synod host), Chief Lawrence Olufemi Omosanya (Lay secretary, diocesan treasurer, youth developer and synod host) were all glamorously captured in the hall.

The Baba Ijo of St. Patricks Anglican Church, Hon. Chief Dr. Alaba Lad Ojomo, Chief Rotimi Ibidapo a.k.a Bassey (philanthropist and supporter of the pastoral ministry), Prof. J. K. Olupona, an american-based Professor (philanthropist and church builder), Chief Toyin Tokunbo (pillar of support and synod host) and Engr. Babafemi Falaye (philanthropist and supporter of the pastoral ministry) were all inducted in the hall of fame. 

Interestingly, the youth generation was not left out as Dr, Taiwo Adenegan of the Achievers University and Dr. Kehinde Adenegan of Adeyemi College of Education were inducted into the hall of fame. In 2019, they both significantly hosted the synod to mark their 40th birthday. 

Also, some dignitaries present at the church service for the anniversary were the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, His Royal Highness, Olupenme of Upenme, Oba Ebenezer Adewumi Ogunmolasuyi, Mr. Dare Aragbaye the Ondo State Head of Service, Barr. Jumoke Anifowose, The Bishops of Idoani and Oke Osun Dioceses, Rt. Rev. Agara and Rt. Rev. Fabuluje, Mrs. Ebunoluwa Fagbemi (Mama Owo), all Archdeacons of the Diocese including the Very Revd. Reuben Agboola the Cathedral Dean, Engr. Taye Ajayi (National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration Ondo), Dr. Matthew Lawal (Deputy Director, Adeyemi College Directorate of part-time Studies), Mrs. Bola Oladipo, Ch. Abiodun Asiwaju, prof. & Mrs. Agbede, Hon. Ch. Solomon Adenegan (the Apenuwa of Ijebu Owo), the Ojumu of Owo, High Chief Famakinwa, among others.

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