John Kayode AYODELE

 

It was a landmark moment for the Catholic Laity Council in Ekiti Diocese as the Ikere Deanery Chapter of the Council ushered in a new era of leadership on Sunday, 10th May, 2026.

 

The inauguration ceremony, held at St. Pius Catholic Church, Ikere-Ekiti marked the end of a ten-year tenure by the outgoing executive and the commencement of a new four-year single term for their successors, in line with the directive of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).

 

The event commenced with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by the Ikere Deanery Laity Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Lucas Muyiwa Ayodele.

 

In his homily and remarks, Fr. Ayodele expressed profound appreciation to the outgoing Deanery Laity Executive for their decade of dedicated and selfless service to the Church and the Deanery.

 

He commended their steadfast leadership and prayed that God would reward their commitment and sacrifices.

 

The priest also congratulated the newly inaugurated officers, charging them to lead with integrity, honesty, dedication and transparency.

 

 He urged them to remain prayerful and be committed to effective coordination throughout their four-year non-renewable tenure.

 

The Diocesan delegation that witnessed the transition was led by the Diocesan Laity President, Prof. Francis Olu Ibimiluyi.

 

Other members of the delegation included the Diocesan Financial Secretary, Prince Victor Abiodun Alonge; the Diocesan Administrative Secretary, John Kayode Ayodele; and the Ado Deanery Laity President, Lady Julianna Olufunke Ogunsina.

 

Adding colour and excitement to the occasion was the celebration of the Parish Choir’s annual “Gboluwaga” programme.

 

In a remarkable display of generosity, members of the choir, most of whom are students of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology donated several musical items to the Parish.

 

 The items included drums, choir robes, hymnbooks, microphones with stands, tambourines, and other musical instruments.

 

Fr. Ayodele praised the choir members for their commitment and spirit of stewardship, noting that their gesture was particularly commendable despite their status as students.

 

He later offered prayers for their academic success and future endeavours.

 

The newly inaugurated officers are Mr. Samuel Ugoja (President), Mr. Bernard Taiwo Oyebiyi (Vice President), Mrs. Martina Aderonke Oyelade (Secretary General), Mrs. Christianah Oshodi (Treasurer), Mr. Ambrose Ogunremi (Publicity Secretary), and Mr. Lawrence Olusola Oni (Financial Secretary).

 

The inauguration of the new executive marks the beginning of another chapter for the Ikere Deanery Catholic Laity Council as it looks forward to a continued spiritual and structural growth over the next four years.