Simon SENAYA.

 

It was a glorious evening for the parishioners of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, as they witnessed the official renaming of the Parish Hall in honour of the late Rev. Fr. James O’Hea, SMA, a missionary priest who served the parish faithfully for 13 years.

The event, held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, was attended by the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, Rev. Fr. Wale Taiwo, Acting Dean of Mokola Deanery, Fr Charle Acheneje, SMA, Fr Henry Chinwuba, SMA, Fr. Johnpaul Aninwodo, Sr. Margaret Dauda, SSL, and Sr. Philomena William, SSL. Also, in attendance were the Parish PPC Chairman, Mrs Patricia Fadimu, notably leaders Dr. S. O. S. Alieme, Mr F. I.  Charles Onyeaghala, Mr Peter Chibogwu, Mrs Juliana Didindi, CWO President, Mrs Anne Olaiya, CMO Vice President, Mr Abiodun Akorede and numerous parishioners of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola.

In his welcome address, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eseola, warmly received the Archbishop and other invited guests to the parish. He gave a brief history of the missionary work of Rev. Fr. James O’Hea, noting that his ministry focused greatly on faith formation and the spiritual growth of the parish community. Fr. Eseola described Fr. O’Hea as a priest loved by all and highlighted several remarkable contributions he made within the Archdiocese.

According to him, the developmental projects of the missionary priest remain visible for all to see, especially the Church building of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola. He further gave a detailed account of Fr. O’Hea’s pastoral journey in the Ibadan Diocese and explained that the parish considered it important for the legacy of the great missionary to continue through the renaming of the Parish Hall in his honour.

The history and life of Fr. O’Hea were also presented by two children of HCA, who reflected on his early life, missionary journey, and impactful works in Ibadan. Their presentation brought back fond memories of the late priest during the special evening celebration.

Speaking further on the life of the missionary priest, Fr. Henry Chinwuba, SMA, recalled that Fr. O’Hea’s first assignment in Ibadan was at St. Theresa Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, where he taught notable clergy, including Cardinal Anthony Okogie and Archbishop Felix Job. He noted that Archbishop Job eventually became the Bishop under whom Fr. O’Hea served. Fr. Henry described Fr. O’Hea as a simple and dedicated missionary whose lifestyle continues to inspire many SMA priests today.

In a similar vein, Dr. S.O.S. Alieme fondly remembered the days of Fr. James O’Hea in the parish, describing him as a man loved by all. He stated that Fr. O’Hea was disciplined, action-oriented, and always willing to listen and support parishioners. According to him, St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, greatly benefited from his ministry as the last missionary priest to serve in the parish. Dr. Alieme appreciated the Parish Priest for initiating the honour and thanked the Archbishop for approving and personally attending the occasion.

In his remarks, Archbishop Gabriel Leke Abegunrin commended the parishioners of Mokola for appreciating the contributions of Fr. O’Hea to the parish and the Archdiocese of Ibadan. He noted that he did not have the opportunity to meet many of the early missionaries because most had left Ibadan before he became Archbishop.

Archbishop Abegunrin stated that the legacy of the missionaries, especially that of Fr. O’Hea, would continue to live on in the Archdiocese of Ibadan. He acknowledged the immense sacrifices and support provided by Fr. O’Hea and other missionaries from Ireland towards the development of churches in Ibadan.

He further commended their selfless service and noted that naming the Parish Hall after Fr. O’Hea would ensure that his life and legacy remain in mind for generations to come. The Archbishop also encouraged both priests and laity to live life worthy of positive remembrance and lasting impact.

The event climaxed with Archbishop Abegunrin officially performing the renaming ceremony of the Parish Hall and blessing the newly constructed toilet facility attached to the hall.