Most Reverend Julius Babatunde Adelakun has gone to the place that the elders go. He went to be with Christ Jesus, his Lord and Saviour, in whose vineyard he laboured during his earthly life. The event of his death occurred on Friday, October 24, 2025, eleven days short of his 91st birthday anniversary; eleven days following the death of Bishop Michael Fagun, Bishop Emeritus of Ekiti on 13 October.

Baba’s passing was not a surprise, but at the same time, it was shocking. At the time of his passing, Bishop Adelakun had, by the tradition of his people, by Biblical attestation, and by Canonical regulation, entered well into old age.

Why then the shock? The answer is in the number ELEVEN. Many were looking forward to his 91st birthday in ELEVEN days. Many more were condoling with him on the passing of his friend ELEVEN days prior.

On the passing of Bishop Fagun, many referred to their long association, their close friendship, and the emotional effect on Bishop Adelakun. Some went as far as saying that they expected Baba Adelakun to go first. God ordered the lives of the two great men in His own way. The timing of their passing evoked parallels to Saul and Jonathan.

I was hesitant to call Baba Adelakun to express my condolences as I did not know what to say in such circumstances. Rescue came on Friday, October 17, when I received a message from the one closest to Baba. “E ku araferaku ti Bishop Fagun.” May the Lord grant him the grace of peaceful rest. Kindly give my condolences to his twin brother, Baba Adelakun. “Ojo a jina sira” managed to be inserted in my response.

“Ojo a jina sira” was only seven days away, eleven days apart for the duo who were remarkable in the similarity of their distinguished lives of service to God and to humankind. Each lived to see his 90th birthday, was a priest for more than sixty years, more than fifty as Bishops.

They were close friends and associates in their priestly formation, in their priesthood and in the episcopacy.

Baba Adelakun attended the calling of priesthood with dedicated humility and the office of Bishop with manifest dignity.

 His leadership of Oyo Diocese (old and new) is a blessing to the people of God. Respected by the lay faithful, priests, and fellow Bishops. Baba’s meticulous preparation for liturgical celebrations; his punctuality at all times; his administrative skills; all combine to create a positively infectious atmosphere wherever Baba is involved.

Bishop Adelakun’s work in Oyo Diocese bore vivid fruits. With limited resources in a geographically vast jurisdiction, he soldiered on, building men who would in turn build other men.

Of the current nine active Bishops of Yorubaland, four are priests of Baba Adelakun’s Oyo Diocese. A fifth, Bishop Paul Olawoore is waiting in the company of angels to receive Baba.

“Awa ti won ni a ko ja mo nkankan.”

We are witnessing the transition to a new era of Church leadership in Yorubaland. Though their passing is recent, they have been ‘out of service’ for a while. They, however, remained as reference points for their respective dioceses.

Yorubaland entered 2025 with six Bishops emeritus, before the year ends, we shall have buried three of them. They were men of advanced age and of remarkable accomplishments, traits that attract an admixture of joy and sorrow at the passing of their possessors.

We shall miss Bishop Atoyebi, Bishop Fagun, and Bishop Adelakun, but our loss is heaven’s gain. They continue their service by praying for us. It is for us to follow the examples of their lives.

Sun re o, Baba Adelakun.

 

Ayo Fasoro

Non Sum Dignus