Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN

 

The Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, joined by Bishops, Priests, Consecrated persons, Lay faithful, and Dignitaries from across Nigeria, gathered between November 6 and 7, 2025, to bid a final farewell to the pioneering Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Michael Patrick Olatunji Fagun, who was called to eternal rest on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the age of 90.

 

The two-day liturgical burial rites which drew wide national attention reflected the deep reverence and love the Church holds for the pioneering shepherd who served as the first Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti and dedicated his life to evangelization, pastoral leadership, education, and the spiritual growth of the faithful with several Catholic media platforms describing the late Bishop as “a father of faith whose legacy shaped the spiritual foundations of Ekiti Catholicism.”

 

The funeral ceremonies commenced on Thursday, November 6, 2025, with a Christian Wake and Vigil Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti. The liturgy had in attendance Bishops, Priests of the diocese and attended by hundreds of Catholics, religious communities, and representatives from various ecclesiastical jurisdictions and representatives of church societies founded during Bishop Fagun’s tenure.

 

Delivering the homily, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, praised the late Bishop’s simplicity and pastoral spirit.

 

“Bishop Fagun lived a life that was poured out in service of God and His people. His humility, his fatherhood, and his total dedication remain a model for priests and the faithful.” The homilist declared.

 

 Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo paid glowing tribute to the late Prelate’s unwavering commitment to the mission of the Church. Bishop Odetoyinbo described Bishop Fagun as “a faithful servant, a pastoral father, and a true missionary of the Gospel whose life was marked by humility, dedication, and total obedience to God.”

 

He highlighted Bishop Fagun’s pioneering work in establishing parishes, promoting Catholic education, founding different church societies and laying the foundational structures that shaped the Diocese of Ekiti into a thriving spiritual community.

 

The solemn Funeral Mass was held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Holy Child Catholic Secondary School, Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti, beside Maria Assumpta Catholic Hospital. The Mass brought together a large assembly of the faithful as well as Bishops from various dioceses across the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), alongside government officials, religious congregations and lay organizations.

 

The homily was preached by Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of Oyo Diocese, who reflected on Bishop Fagun’s enduring legacy of faith and service.

Bishop Badejo described him as “a father to many and a pillar of evangelization whose priestly life inspired countless vocations and strengthened the faith of generations.”

He emphasized that Bishop Fagun’s life mirrored the words of the Prophet Isaiah in the Book of Isaiah chapter 61 verses 1-3, adding that the late Bishop now enjoys the reward prepared for faithful stewards in the kingdom of God.

 

Bishop Badejo noted that the late Bishop Emeritus Michael Olatunji Fagun has left a story in the history of the Church, hence he urged everyone to emulate the good story of the late Shepherd and leave their stories at every levels in the Church.

 

The Bishop of Oyo Diocese further reflected on Bishop Fagun’s pastoral legacy which he noted was emphasized at the wake keep vigil in the homily of the Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo

 

“He was a Shepherd who built people, not monuments. He shaped hearts, strengthened families in the faith, and planted seeds that will bear fruit for generations.” Bishop Badejo noted

He added that Bishop Fagun’s life expressed the words of St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight… I have kept the faith.”

 

The Mass witnessed scenes of deep emotion as the congregation joined in singing hymns traditionally associated with the late Bishop’s episcopal ministry.

Following the Mass, the Rite of Commendation was conducted, with incense, invoking prayers and chants accompanying the body to its final resting place of the Bishop at St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral in a ceremony marked by solemnity, chants, and prayers.

 

In a brief but heartfelt vote of thanks, Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, Bishop of Ekiti, expressed profound gratitude to all who participated in the funeral rites including the concelebrating Bishops, Priests, Religious Men and Women, Lay faithful and Civic Authorities,

He recognized the attendance of many diocesan groups whose presence and service gave honor to the life of Bishop Fagun.

 

Bishop Ajakaye thanked the homilists, Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo (Abeokuta) and Bishop Emmanuel Badejo (Oyo) for their consoling words, and also acknowledged the Diocesan Communications team for coordinating the liturgies and broadcasts that enabled the wider faithful to join in the rites.

 

The Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti asked that the faithful continue to pray for the repose of the late Bishop’s soul and for strength and unity in the diocese as it carries forward his pastoral legacy.

A reception followed, where the faithful, clergy, and dignitaries shared memories of the Bishop and celebrated his rich contributions to the life of the Church. Civil authorities also paid their respects, noting his role in promoting education, healthcare, and rural evangelization across the state.

Most Rev. Michael Patrick Olatunji Fagun, born in 1935, was appointed the first Bishop of Ekiti Diocese in 1972 and served faithfully until his retirement. Throughout his episcopacy, he is remembered for establishing parishes, strengthening Catholic education, pastoral zeal, simplicity of life, mentoring priests, and nurturing vocations with unwavering commitment to the growth of the Catholic faith.

 

His passing marks the end of an era, but his spiritual footprints remain etched in the hearts of the faithful and in the institutions he helped to establish, such as Religious Congregation of Saint Michael the Archangel (SSMA), who have been doing wonderfully well both locally and internationally.

The Diocese of Ekiti has since called for continuous prayers for the repose of his soul and thanksgiving for the enduring impacts of his ministry.