by REV. FR. LEO OLUWASEYI AWOJINRIN (CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF IJEBU-ODE)

Ever since the announcement of the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, on 17th January, 2019, the entire world had paid attention to the reactions of the Clergy, Religious and Laity of Ijebu-Ode Diocese. However, as one would expect, it had remained tales of joy as the People of God in the Diocese have been totally formed and bred in the way of the Church, with attention on the oneness and universality of the Church.

Since his Episcopal Ordination on April 25th, 2019, an event still talked about at different quarters, the Bishop has enjoyed full cooperation and collaboration from the People of God of the Diocese he was only 5years old when it was created.

In a recent development, Bishop Francis acclaimed that ever since he came into Ijebu-Ode Diocese on 18th January, 2019, a day after his announcement, he has enjoyed the good will of the Bishop- Emeritus, Baba Fasina, the College of Consultors, the Presbyterium, the Religious and the Laity of the Diocese. He has met with all these groups at various time with favourable resolutions achieved after the interaction. He made this known when he was being hosted on Tuesday, 25th and Wednesday, 26th, 2019 in his home Diocese of Osogbo to a gala night and thanksgiving mass respectively. He told the People of God in Osogbo that they had nothing to fear as he was in safe hands in Ijebu-Ode Diocese. To accompany the Bishop to this event was a highly powered delegation of Priests, Religious and Laity. They have since returned with the Bishop to the Diocese to continue the work of the Evangelization in the land. We wish the Bishop and the Diocese well especially as the Bishop clocks 55 while the Diocese celebrates 50 years.