Michael OKEOLA

 

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo on Tuesday, 7th January 2026, gathered in thanksgiving at St. Bernardine Catholic Church, Owode, Oyo, as His Lordship, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, marked the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

The solemn celebration drew Bishops, Priests, Religious, and Lay Faithful from within and outside the Diocese, uniting in gratitude to God for four decades of faithful, committed, and fruitful service in the vineyard of the Lord.

 

The Eucharistic celebration featured a homily delivered by Rev. Fr. George Ehusani from Abuja, who congratulated his brother and friend, Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, on the milestone and warmly appreciated all who travelled from far and near to be part of the celebration. He noted that the gathering was principally an act of thanksgiving to God for “forty years of amazing grace”—a grace he said has been transparently manifested in the life and ministry of Bishop Badejo.

 

Reflecting on the mystery of the Catholic priesthood, Fr. Ehusani described it as a profound and supernatural gift by which ordinary men, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, are privileged to effect the transformation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, just as the Lord did in the Upper Room. He further highlighted the unique privilege of the priest in administering God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and proclaiming the Word of God that gives life to all who receive it.

Describing the priesthood as an inestimable, ineffable, and indescribable dignity, he stressed that it is a grace and honour for weak and sinful men to participate in the mediatory role of Jesus Christ, the High Priest. He explained that by divine grace, priests serve as leaders of the praying community and ministers of the liturgy, preside over works of pastoral charity, and act as helpers and companions of Christ in His mission of saving the world from sin and death. According to him, what was being celebrated was the abundance of this divine grace upon Bishop Badejo over the past forty years.

 

In his remarks, the Vicar General of the Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola, expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and appreciation to everyone across the Diocese and beyond who rejoiced with the Bishop. He shared a personal memory of being just twelve years old when Bishop Badejo was ordained, describing it as the first priestly ordination he ever witnessed. He commended the planning committee, led by Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Olabode, for their dedication and sacrifices, praying that God would abundantly bless all parishioners and benefactors who contributed in various ways. He also acknowledged the overwhelming support received from outside the Diocese, noting that it surpassed expectations.

 

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Olabode, acknowledged the presence of Bishops, Priests, Religious, and Lay Faithful, while appreciating members of the committee for their rigorous behind-the-scene efforts. He thanked God for the successes recorded so far during the anniversary celebrations, including the blessing of the new Diocesan Secretariat, the presentation of a brand-new vehicle to the Bishop, and other milestones achieved, praying for continued divine provision for the Diocese.

In his vote of thanks, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, the source of his vocation, describing the celebration as a testimony to God’s unfailing faithfulness through every season of his priestly journey. He thanked the Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin, the Bishops present and those represented, as well as the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job, for their love, support, and enduring legacy of service to the Church.

 

His Lordship also appreciated the priests who have journeyed with him over the years, mentioning in a special way Monsignor Anthony Olawumi, his teacher during seminary formation, whose guidance helped shape his priestly foundation. He thanked the priests and religious of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo for their cooperation, dedication, and commitment to evangelization.

Addressing the youth, the Bishop reminded them that they are not only the future of tomorrow but also the strength of today. He encouraged them to listen to the wisdom of elders, embrace discipline, humility, and faith, and rise above distractions in order to build a better Church and society.

 

The celebration also featured goodwill messages and interviews from members of the Diocese who testified to the Bishop’s simplicity, accessibility, spiritual depth, and fatherly leadership, describing him as a shepherd who inspires unity, hope, and growth.

 

The anniversary celebration concluded with prayers of thanksgiving, as the faithful entrusted His Lordship and the Diocese of Oyo to God’s continued guidance, praying for many more years of fruitful service in the Lord’s vineyard.