Rev. Joyzy Pius EGUNJOBI

Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo &

Director, Psycho-Spiritual Institute of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Nairobi Campus.

 

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude, we honor the life and legacy of Bishop Julius Babatunde Adelakun, who died on October 24, 2025. He lived out his calling with great faith, humility, and zeal for pastoral work. Now we take a moment to think about, remember, and thank God for a ministry that bore much fruit.

 

 A Life of Service

 

  *4 Nov 1934* – Born.

 *27 Jun 1965* (age ~30.6) – Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Oyo, Nigeria.

 *16 Nov 1972* (age ~38.0) – Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Oyo.

*16 Nov 1972* (age ~38.0) – Appointed Titular Bishop of Thunigaba.

*11 Feb 1973* (age ~38.2) – Ordained Bishop, Titular Bishop of Thunigaba.

*3 Apr 1973* (age ~38.4) – Appointed Bishop of Oyo, Nigeria.

*4 Nov 2009* (age ~75.0) – Retired as Bishop of Oyo.

*24 Oct 2025* (age ~90.98) – Called back to God.

 

 *A Man of Vision and Humility*

 

Bishop Adelakun's life was marked by the readiness to relinquish wealth for the arduous labor of the mission field. He showed a rare mix of intellectual rigor, communication skills, pastoral sensitivity, and a missionary heart from the time he became a priest in 1965 until he became a Bishop in 1973.

 

After getting his Master's Degree in the U.S., he worked as a lecturer at the Major Seminary of Saints Peter & Paul in Bodija, Ibadan. When the Diocese of Osogbo was created from the Oyo Diocese in 1995, Bishop Adelakun took on the challenge of mission territory. He chose to help start the old-new Oyo Diocese with only about 10 diocesan priests and 8 parishes. This shows that he was willing to leave behind a comfortable life and go back to basics to do mission work.  At the time of retirement, the Diocese of Oyo had grown a lot, with more than 30 diocesan priests and 20 parishes (not including quasi-parishes and outstations).

 

He was a pioneer in youth ministry and helped the Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria (CYON) grow. He never let youth work be an afterthought. He wrote books and was known for his soft voice and sharp words in his sermons. He was a true communicator, helping both priests and laypeople develop their skills.

 

 *Grace of Episcopacy and Mentorship*

 

Bishop Adelakun took great pleasure in seeing his priests get promoted, which showed how much he cared about leadership and formation. He lived to see the priests he ordained become Archbishops and Bishops, including:

• Most Rev Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin (the first Bishop of Osogbo and now the Archbishop of Ibadan) was ordained as a bishop in 1995.

• Most Rev Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, the new Bishop of Oyo diocese, was ordained as a bishop in 2007.

• Most Rev John Akinkunmi Oyejola, the Bishop of Osogbo, was ordained as a bishop in 2016.

• Most Rev Paul Adegboyega Olawoore (the late Bishop of Ilorin) was ordained as a bishop in 2018.

• Most Rev Francis Femi Adesina (Bishop of Ijebu-Ode) was ordained as a bishop in 2019.

 

 *A Man of Friendship and Integrity*

 

Bishop Adelakun's life wasn't just about work; it was also about deep relationships. He was a close friend of Msgr. Joseph Ade Taiwo who was his Vicar General until his death on June 6, 1998).

 

Bishop Adelakun was a happy and loyal friend of Emeritus Bishop Michael Olatunji Fagun (who died on October 13, 2025). They died just 11 days apart—two Seasoned Shepherds whose friendship ran deep, who both introduced central funding structures to their respective dioceses, and who prepared for succession by securing co-adjutor bishops. Their near-simultaneous passing feels like a pair of siblings in ministry responding to the Master’s call together.

 

 *A Personal Father and an Encourager*

 

On a personal note, Bishop Adelakun always had faith in me. He chastised me when I needed it, helped me develop my skills in computer science, music, writing, education, and communication, understood my passion, and kept an eye on me until the end.  When I wrote to him about studying medicine, he took time in prayer and consultation and suggested I study in the area of mental health. He inspired and motivated me to document my work in psycho-spiritual therapy for future generations. The path I have embraced and relentlessly fulfilling. He was not just a bishop; he was my father, my encourager. Baba, I will really miss you.

 

 *Legacy of Hope*

 

Bishop Adelakun taught us a lot in his more than forty years as a Bishop:

• He never put his own comfort ahead of his mission.

• He put money into other people, and the results are clear.

• He knew from the start that the next generation had to be involved.

• His background and skills as a communicator made him good at it.

• He passed on leadership with grace and planning.

 

 *Condolences*

 

I send my deepest condolences to the entire Catholic community and the family. A special message of strength to Most Reverend Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo (Bishop of Oyo Diocese), Most Reverend Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin (Archbishop of Ibadan), Most Reverend John Akinkunmi Oyejola (Bishop of Osogbo Diocese), and Most Reverend Francis Femi Adesina  (Bishop of Ijebu-Ode Diocese), who are continuing his work as Bishop.

 

And to all the priests, religious, and laypeople of the Catholic Dioceses of Oyo and Osogbo, ‘a ku ara feraku.’

 

To the whole Adelakun family, especially his brother Pa Bayo Adelakun, and his niece, Ms. Bola Adelakun, your grief is real and deep. I know that you have lost your pillar, the family's wise man, and the kind person who cared for and nurtured talents, showing what it means to be a Father. I hope that remembering his love, support, and unshakable faith will help you get through this tough time.

 

 *Sad but Grateful*

 

We are sad that he is gone, but we are happy that he lived a good life. Bishop Adelakun listened to God, cared for his flock, trained leaders, and made the Church in Nigeria stronger. The priests he trained, the young people he empowered, the parishes, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities he started, the programs he set up, and the heart he had for mission all show how important he was.

 

Bishop Julius Babatunde Adelakun has completed his earthly race. He came, he saw, he conquered, and he left behind an inspiring legacy of faith, humility, and prophetic vision that will continue to shape the Church in Nigeria for generations.

 

May his soul rest in peace, may his memory be a blessing, and may we carry on his mission of faith, hope, and love, as he did.

 

"Good job, faithful servant..." (Matthew 25:21)

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 *Be Blessed*_