The Partner Newspaper

In a significant move to strengthen pastoral governance and spiritual leadership within the Divine Mercy Region, the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese; Most Rev. Francis O. Adesina has announced the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. Joseph O. Ogunnupebi as the new Dean of Iloti Deanery, taking effect from December 2025.

The appointment, places Fr. Ogunnupebi at the helm of a deanery that is central to the mission of Divine Mercy Pastoral Region.

Iloti Deanery, which comprises several vibrant parishes including Iloti, Isiwo, Ikoto, Ibefun, Odolewu, Ilado and Ososa is a vital component of the Divine Mercy Region. Fr. Ogunnupebi’s elevation to the office of Dean is seen as a strategic step in fostering deeper collaboration between the clergy and the laity in this sector of the Diocese.

He succeeds the previous Dean Very Rev. Fr. Michael Ogunniyi SDB with a mandate to oversee the liturgical, administrative, and pastoral activities of the deanery, ensuring they align with the Diocesan vision of evangelization and synodality.

Fr. Joseph is a seasoned cleric with over two decades of experience in the vineyard, ordained to the priesthood in July 2005. Since his ordination, he has served with distinction across various parishes, earning a reputation for his dedication to the sacraments and community building.

In addition to his new responsibilities as Dean, Fr. Ogunnupebi continues to lead the Diocesan Department of Religious Education and also the Parish priest of Our Lady of Assumption, Ilado. His dual role is expected to bring a renewed focus on catechesis and doctrinal formation across the deanery, bridging the gap between classroom religious instruction and parish life.