Fidelis ENWEMEKA

 

Parishioners of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Iganmode Road, Ota, Ogun State, in the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, joined family members and well-wishers on Sunday, 30 August 2026, to celebrate a remarkable double milestone: the 50th birthday and 20th anniversary of priestly ordination of Rev. Fr. Clement Ajibola Ashade.

 

The Bishop of Abeokuta, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Adetoyinbo, was the Chief Celebrant at the thanksgiving Mass that opened the day’s festivities. Rev. Fr. Lawrence Ogundipe, SDV, a former assistant parish priest of St. Peter’s, Ota, delivered the homily. Tracing Fr. Ashade’s journey from birth to the altar, Fr. Ogundipe declared that the jubilarian could not have found a more fitting vocation than the priesthood — a life of service to God and humanity. He congratulated Fr. Ashade and urged him to remain steadfast in the Lord’s vineyard.

 

In an interview conducted by the parish media team, several parishioners paid glowing tributes. Parish Pastoral Council Chairman Mr. Hunyigan Lawrence described Fr. Ashade as a humble and approachable priest who is always ready to meet the spiritual needs of the faithful. Similar sentiments were echoed by Dr. Vincent Eko (former CMO Chairman and current Parish Laity Council Chairman), Sir Prince Dominic Ogundipe (former Parish Pastoral Council Chairman), Mr. Oyenekan Stephen (immediate past Parish Pastoral Council Chairman and President Lagos Metropolitan Council of the society of St. Vincent de Paul ), Mrs. Nkwocha Uche (CWON President), Winifred Achiri (CYON President), Mr. Osagu Vincent (CMO Chairman), Sir Raymond Ogbonna (Parish Announcer and Chairman of the Organising Committee), Barrister Ambrose Aisedion, and a Church warden Mr. Abraham. All spoke of Fr. Ashade’s exemplary leadership and the deep affection he has earned among the people of St. Peter’s.

 

The joyful atmosphere was further enriched by colourful cultural performances from the Idoma cultural troupe, the Holy Childhood Association (HCA), the Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria (CWON), and the Christian Mothers of the parish, who entertained guests with traditional songs and dances.

 

The celebration was a heartfelt expression of gratitude and love for a priest whose two decades of dedicated ministry and half-century of life have left an indelible mark on the parish community. It served as both a joyful thanksgiving for the past and a prayerful encouragement for Fr. Ashade’s continued service in the years ahead.