It was double celebrations at St. Mary Catholic Cathedral, Oke – Padi, Ibadan, Oyo State on Sunday, 13th October 2024 as the Cathedral Community celebrated the Chief Shepherd of Ibadan Archdiocese and the Parish Priest of the Cathedral, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin on his 75th Birthday as well as the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Ibadan (NACL) 2024 Legal Year thanksgiving Mass/Public Lecture with the theme: “Law Practice and the Judiciary in Contemporary Nigeria: Any Hope for Social Justice?”

The Chief Celebrant of the Thanksgiving Mass was Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Abegunrin while the Guest Speaker for the Public Lecture was Prof. John O. Akintayo of the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Concelebrating the Mass with His Grace were the Dean of Oke-Padi Deanery and Pastoral Secretary, V. Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade; the Rector of St. Theresa Minor Seminary, Rev. Fr. Felix Emerue; the Chaplain of NACL, Rev. Fr. Joachim Akee; Rev. Fr. Kenneth Adesina of SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija – Ibadan; Rev. Fr. Patrick Akinjo; the Cathedral Administrator, V. Rev. Fr. Julius Akinyode and Rev. Fr. Gabriel Azeez.

Also in attendance were: HRH, Oba Deji Oyewole; Justice O.O. Olatunji representing the Chief Justice of Oyo State; DSP Toyin Agbaminoja representing Oyo State Commissioner of Police; Patron of NACL, Hon. Justice Peter O. Ige (Rtd); Members of NACL in Ibadan Archdiocese; Lay Apostolate Organizations, the Parishioners of St. Mary Cathedral and Members of the Press.

While delivering homily at the Thanksgiving Mass, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Adesina described the Archbishop simply as a “Humble Steward of Grace.”

Acknowledging that he is too small to speak about the history of the Archbishop like it was done by Msgr. John Aniagwu during the Archdiocesan celebration for His Grace, the homilist stated that Humility, Stewardship and Grace captured the Ministry of Baba Abegunrin.

Fr. Adesina recalled how Baba in 1971 as Chaplain of the Youth used to interact with the youths, making most of them longing to grow to become part of the youth and be able to interact with him as well.

He added that Baba Abegunrin demonstrated humility by his words and actions to a point that people gave testimony. “He has helped many to factor and appreciate the goodness of priesthood. He is seeing like a father, friend and guardian. All of us by virtue of our baptism can also do. You must be a servant-leader.” The homilist admonished.

Fr. Adesina also appreciated God’s gift of Grace and Stewardship upon the Archbishop as he said His Grace is so generous and does not compromise the truth. “A good Steward will stand for the truth. When you speak the truth, whatever God destined you to be will still come to be.” The Priest declared.

To the Lawyers, Fr. Adesina congratulated them and enjoined them to exercise their knowledge with humility, with grace, let their stewardship bring justice on the land, put at their mind that whatever they have is a gift from God and to let people see them as apostles of change.

The homilist informed the people that there are lot of things leaders do that they will not understand and so, they should always pray for their leaders and for the grace to learn from them too.

The Priest expressed the gratitude on behalf of Seminarians who have benefited so much from the Archbishop and also urged all to do what will open doors for their children in future, concluding with the saying “the greatest calamity is not to have someone to correct oneself.”

The Archbishop at the Mass blessed the Sacramental for the Lawyers while both the Lawyers and His Grace had their thanksgiving separately thereafter.

The Cathedral Administrator acknowledged everyone present as he gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the Cathedral Community while a member of the NACL also did same on behalf of the Lawyers.

After the Mass, group photographs with the Archbishop were taken and also cutting of Birthday Cake presented to His grace by the Cathedral Community alongside gifts from the Cathedral and individuals.

The reception organized by NACL took place inside the hall, immediately after the Mass with His Grace also in attendance. The President’s welcome address was read by the Vice President, Mrs Adeola Ige Adeleke followed by Public Lecture with the theme: “Law Practice and the Judiciary in Contemporary Nigeria: Any Hope for Social Justice?” delivered by Prof. John O. Akintayo.

In his presentation, Prof. Akintayo affirmed that the concept of Social Justice has universal challenge but added that if the concept of brotherhood is embraced, it will be easy to have Social Justice.

He identified corruption as the major problem facing Social Justice but urged the members of NACL to have non-tolerance for corruption, change their perception of legal practice, pursue the common good, safeguard the Judiciary Institutes and avoid temptation whenever and however it might come.

Contributions were also made by Archbishop Abegunrin (an Expert in Canon Law); the Patron of NACL, Hon. Justice Peter O. Ige (Rtd) and other members of NACL.

Presentation of awards to some deserving individuals, including Archbishop Abegunrin also took place, followed by the cutting of the cake to declare the 2024 Legal Year Opens, refreshment, group photographs and vote of thanks by the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Joachim Akee while the Archbishop gave the final prayer and blessing.