The procession on Sunday 24 November 2024, marking the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the Universal King brought together members from all Parishes in Ile-Ife deanery. Unlike last year when most parishes observed the procession within their Parish territory, deanery members, after celebrating Mass at their respective parishes, gathered 3.00pm at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Parakin, Ile-Ife; meeting point for the commencement of the procession.

Through the streets of Eleyele, the journey with musical praises and enthusiasm attracted inhabitants of the city - including passers-by as the movement ends in the mother Church of SS Peter & Paul Pro-Cathedral, Lagere. 

At the event, Rev. Fr. Stephen Ilesanmi noted that, though the period marks the end of the Catholic Liturgical year, he affirmed that the jar of prayer for Catholics should never end. Having observed that while many seized the opportunity of the procession to pray to God, and some carried away with material things; He educated that the prayer at procession was not only meant for the challenges of the moment, but also for the ones unknown. He however encouraged all to place their intentions before God as the period of hope unfold.

From the reaction of many, the collective procession is preferred to individual parish procession. According to Mr Patrick Ojo, of St. John the evangelist, Ilode, it is more wonderful and interesting than last year, since there is no demarcation. Mr Festus Fasina of St. Mary Igboya preferred the collective procession. According to him, ‘’Catholics are one, so we should do it together.” The opinion of Dr Emmanuel Akubo from Our Lady of Perpetual Light Chaplaincy, OAU, aligned with others. In his opinion, collective procession involving all parishes is incomparable. He emphasized that when welcoming a king, it should be done as a community and at general level. However, he preferred the previous long-distance procession while envisioning inclusion of several bodies in their costumes and more musical jamborees.  Lady Anne Olusola Ayedebinu from SS Peter & Paul, who considered that the more the crowd, the merrier; wished for morning procession where there won’t be need of going back home before the procession. Her suggestion aligns with that of Barr Ogechukwu Akinsulore, St. Patrick, Parakin who considered that going back home before the procession would encourage some to get tired, or get engaged in other things which encourages withdrawal from procession. Another member from the Nigerian Navy Centre for Education Training and Technology (NNCERT), Kosere; suggested improved coordination.

However, members preferred their joy over the hostile weather as their actions during the procession left the hot Sun unnoticed.