Canon 469 of the 1983 Code defines the constitution and finality of the Diocesan Curia. It states that: “The Diocesan Curia consists of those institutions and persons which assist the Bishop in the governance of the whole Diocese, especially in guiding pastoral action, in caring for the administration of the Diocese, and in exercising judicial power.” This was the reason for which the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina instituted the Ad Hoc Diocesan Curia body after his resumption into office. According to the Bishop however, “with time and increase in level of experience and functionality, the Curia is taking a gradual definite structure away from being just Ad-Hoc”. He made this statement on 3^rd November 2020 at the last Curia meeting for the year. The appointment of a new Moderator is a testament to this fact.

The Moderator of the Curia, under the authority of the Bishop of the Diocese coordinates the proceedings of the Curia meetings. The Bishop in his remarks said the demise of the former Moderator, Late Msgr. Valentine Awoyemi created a vacuum that should necessary be filled for effective running of the Curia. “This explains the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Onasanya for a period of one year. The Chancellor, Fr. Albert Igbodipe resumes statutory as the Secretary to the Curia” Fr. Sylvester Onasanya had been on mission in Lagos Archdiocese before returning home to Ijebu-Ode Diocese. Upon his return, he was made the Parish Priest of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholc Church, Esure.

Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Onasanya in his speech thanked the Bishop of the Diocese for this privilege to serve. He also thanked all the priests in the Curia for accepting him to lead in this capacity as a moderator. He beckoned on the priests for cooperation and promised to put in his best.