On Thursday 25th June, 2020, his Excellency, Most Rev Francis Obafemi Adesina, Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese met with the Bejeroku-elect of Oke-Agbo, his Royal Highness, Oba Stephen Adeleke Adekoya, Ilufemiloye I. The meeting which lasted for about 45 minutes in the palace hall of the Bejeroku-elect began at 11:30am. In the delegation of the Bishop to the meeting were Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogunnupebi, the Administrator of Saint Joseph’s Catholic hospital Oke Agbo, Ijebu-igbo and Rev. Fr. Stephen Osinkoya, the Parish Priest of Holy Angels Catholic Church Oke Agbo, Ijebu Igbo.

Being the first meeting between the two leaders, Rev. Fr. Stephen introduced the Bishop to the Oba-elect. After a short prayer, the Bishop congratulated the Oba-elect on behalf of the entire Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Catholic Diocese of ijebu-ode on his election as the Bejeroku of Oke-Agbo in March, 2020 and expressed his delight to finally have the opportunity to visit and meet with the Bejeroku. A visit the Bishop explained had been made impossible, owing to the lockdown caused be the pandemic, Covid-19.

In his remarks, the Bishop expressed his disposition to collaborate with the Kabiyesi in the areas that would glorify God and bring development to the people of Ijebu-Igbo.

In his response, the Bejeroku-elect, Oba Adekoya thanked the Bishop for coming to visit him. He assured the Bishop of his readiness to work hand in hand with the Church in areas that would bring about development to the town, most especially in the health sector. Going back a little into history, he revealed to the Bishop how Christianity, Islam and traditional religion have all co-existed and contributed to the growth of the town, noting that he therefore would do everything in his power to ensure there is peaceful collaboration and harmony among all and sundry for the progress of the town.

Appreciating the commitment of the Hospital Administrator, Rev. Fr. Christopher Ogunnupebi, whom he described as a man with passion for development, the Kabiyesi pleaded with the Bishop to see to the restoration of the St Joseph Catholic hospital in Oke Agbo to its former glory, which saw it as one of the leading hospitals in the state and beyond. Nevertheless, he promised to assist the Bishop in ensuring that the human resources and otherwise at the town’s disposal would be channeled towards achieving this restoration.

The Bishop once again thanked the Oba-elect for his warm reception, and thereafter presented to him some gift items, which included souvenirs from his Episcopal Ordination Ceremonies. Once the time of the visit was over, Fr. Stephen led the closing prayer, while the Bishop gave the blessing. We wish the Oba-elect and pray that his reign will be long and successful.