Fidelis ENWEMEKA

On Monday, March 23, 2026, three deaneries within Ogun State’s Abeokuta Diocese — Our Lady of Apostles Parish, Iyana Iyesi; St. Peter’s Parish, Ota; and St. Mary’s Parish, Ifo — came together to celebrate their 2026 cathedraticum at St. Peter’s Parish on Iganmode Road, Ota.

The Mass was attended by 34 priests, including the Deans of the three deaneries: Very Rev. Fr. Clement Ajibola Ashade (St. Peter’s Deanery, Ota), Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Yemi Sobiye (St. Mary’s Parish, Ifo), and Very Rev. Fr. Gilbert Fagbemi (Our Lady of Apostles Parish, Iyana Iyesi). Also present were 15 Reverend Sisters, one Deacon, and a large gathering of the faithful.

In his homily, the Bishop of the Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, urged the congregation to look beyond material offerings to the Church but instead focus on pleading for mercy for one another. Highlighting the spiritual importance of Lent, the Bishop said, “There is no greater task a Catholic can undertake at this season of Lent than to plead for mercy for his fellow Catholics and others in general; approach the throne of mercy to plead for mercy for one another.” He added, “The sacrifice I offer today is to plead for mercy on your behalf.”

Before the Mass began, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Ajibola Ashade warmly welcomed the Bishop to St. Peter’s Parish, noting that the Church could easily be mistaken for the Cathedral on that day because, as he said, “wherever the Bishop is, there the Cathedral is.”

The event underscored the unity and shared faith of the three deaneries as they gathered in worship and fellowship.