By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Gabriel L. Abegunrin made this statement at the second Episcopal Anniversary celebration of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina which took place on Sunday 25th April 2021 at St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral Ijebu-Ode. The Metropolitan who was in attendance together with Most Rev. John Oyejola, the Bishop of Oshogbo Diocese made this remark shortly before the end of the Mass. According to him, the entire Bishops of the Ecclesiastical province of Ibadan send their congratulatory message to the Bishop of Ijebu-Ode on his second anniversary. The kings and the families present at the event are well appreciated. He went on to say categorically that Ijebu people are known for production. “I knew Ijebu people before I became a priest I knew Ijebu Diocese before I became a Bishop and following from history it is clear that the Ijebu people are known for production. When spare parts of vehicles were not available in the Southwest of Nigeria only Ijebu people could craft what can work in replacement of damaged spare parts.

The only name that I know with tyres is an Ijebu name. Production used to be in ijebu land. Ijebu is to Southwest what Nnewi is to South East. Ijebu is the technological brain box of Southwest Nigeria. In religion and especially in vocation, Ijebu has produced different priests and religious for the Nigerian church.

I thank you for who you are and I have no doubt that Bishop Francis will not regret working among you and you will not regret having him in your midst. Revitalize your production techniques to support his work and ministry. You have both the energy and resources to make him succeed I pray that the Diocese will move to greater heights”.