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The Catholic Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese; Most Rev. Francis Obafemi ADESINA, has officially announced the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Kunle Balogun as the Vicar General of the Diocese, in line with the provisions of Canon Law and the pastoral needs of the local Church

The announcement was made today at the conclusion of the Diaconate Ordination Mass of three brothers, now Revds. John Ogunade, Christian Nwafor, and John Ekechi, held today at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Kajola, Ijebu-Ode. The solemn Mass began at 10:00 a.m. and drew Priests, Religious, seminarians, and members of the lay faithful from within and outside the diocese.

According to the official diocesan document, the appointment takes effect from 10th January 2026 to 31st December 2030, with the Bishop expressing confidence in the experience, dedication, and pastoral competence of Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Kunle Balogun in assisting with the administration and governance of the Diocese.

While making the announcement, the Bishop prayed earnestly for divine grace, wisdom, and strength for the new Vicar General as he assumes this important ecclesiastical responsibility. He also called on the clergy and faithful of the Diocese to offer their prayers, cooperation, and support to ensure the effective discharge of the office.

The Diaconate Ordination Mass, which formed the backdrop of the announcement, was marked by deep spiritual reflection and joy, as the newly ordained deacons were charged to lives of service, humility, and fidelity to the Gospel.

The appointment of a new Vicar General at such a significant liturgical celebration highlights the Diocese’s commitment to orderly governance, pastoral continuity, and the strengthening of its mission of evangelization and service to the People of God in Ijebu-Ode Diocese.

Profile of Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Kunle Balogun

Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Kunle Balogun was ordained on 20th August 1994 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. His foundational education includes the West African Examination Council (WAEC) School Certificate, obtained in June 1986 from St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin.

He received his early priestly and academic formation at the Ss. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, where he was grounded in philosophical and theological studies in preparation for priestly ministry.

Fr. Balogun is a highly trained cleric with strong academic credentials spanning philosophy, theology, religious education, and educational administration. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Philosophy in 1991 from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He later earned a B.A. Degree in Theology in 1994 from the Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy, further deepening his theological formation within the universal Church.

Fr. Balogun obtained a Master of Arts degree in Religious Education with a specialisation is Pastoral Ministry and Church Leadership from Fordham University, Bronx, New York, USA, in 1998.

In addition to his ecclesiastical studies, he pursued advanced professional training in education. He obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Education, specializing in School Administration and Supervision, from Iona College, New Rochelle, New York, USA in 1999. He is also a professional Chartered Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. He created the foundation for many diocesan structures, institutions and departments. He has served in the past as Bishop’s Secretary, Diocesan Chancellor, Diocesan Director of Education, School Principal, parish priest in different parishes, Dean of Ijebu-Igbo Deanery and Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Affairs. He currently serves as the Episcopal Vicar for Divine Mercy Region of the Diocese.

With a rich blend of pastoral, theological, philosophical, and administrative expertise, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Kunle Balogun brings to ministry a solid intellectual background and a commitment to effective Church leadership, the field of education, and service to the People of God.

The full content of the letter is found below