The inauguration of new officers that will stir the affairs of the Catholic Women Organization of SS Peter & Paul Pro-Cathedral, Lagere, Ile-Ife came up Sunday 16 March 2025. The previous executives, led by Mrs Agnes O. Okanlawon has completed a single tenure of four years in office at the time of the election.

It would be recalled that they took up the mantle of leadership February 21, 2021. Other outgone members included: Mrs Gloria N. Oodoh, Vice President; Mrs Agnes U. Agim, Secretary; Mrs Dorcas A. Akanbi, Assistant Secretary; Mrs Aderonke F. Oroleye, Treasurer; Mrs A.A Odisi, Financial Secretary; Mrs Elizabeth Solade, P.R.O; Mrs M.M. Oladeji, Social Secretary; Chief (Mrs) A. Aluko, Auditor and other representatives of the Women wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN) and CAN.

The outgone President in an interview considered the office as one accorded with respect. In her opinion, it creates exposure to meet several others, both at the Deanery and the Diocesan levels; in that, the Parish President is obligated to attend programmes and occasions. She considered their interpersonal relationship with others as reason for increased membership during their tenure.

Contrary to negative assertions building up in minds of several individuals as it relates to the women body, Agnes Okanlawon disassociated the association from any form of negative conclusions. According to her, “I totally disagreed there is no corner within the CWO. We are not Cultists. There are stakeholders that must be consulted before some decisions can be taking, it is also peculiar to other groups at work places or in the community, so that irrational decision can be prevented. In the CWO also there is no exception because there are laid down rules for some things.” The outgone President believed that if she had the privilege of a second tenure, she would not do anything different or better since she already put in her best. She belongs to the school of thought that encourages moving-on by forgetting the past and this has helped them in their leadership journey of four years, according to her.

Okanlawon did not hand over the mantle without words of advice for the current President, Mrs Grace O. Fabunmi. According to her, she should seek wisdom from God, be a prayer warrior, good listener and should not jump into conclusion. She should develop good rapport no matter what people say against the other; without sending away old members. She further encouraged her to think critically before taking actions. Her reason is that, yielding to unnecessary push may result in action that could disintegrate the organization.

In managing lapses that may arise from fast-becoming-culture-of-negligence-of-duty in the Diocese among members of the executives across various groups who leave their duties undone while overloading the Presidents, she was able to stand strong. According to her, “I don't give rooms for lapses, I did the job as it comes, some people may neglect their duties intentionally for you to fail but if you are up and doing there will be no room for lapses.”

To all women, Okanlawon reiterated that CWO Lagere is not an evil cult. She solicited for the heart of togetherness, avoiding grudges no matter how little, staying focused and been prayerful - these she considered as attitude for achievement.

However, she advocated for the implementation of more spirituality than socials at the annual seminar organized by Osogbo Diocese. She admonished authorities to give room for the participation of all women instead of the usual slot basis. She also encouraged affordable seminar fees while advocating for subsidies; according to her, it will encourage massive participation of women. 

The new president of the Catholic Women Organization (CWO) of the parish, Mrs Grace O. Fabunmi felt excited of the role entrusted to her by God. She is not afraid notwithstanding because she believed that with God all things are possible. Concerning her view of the women body in the parish, she said; “As for me personally, I see CWO in Lagere as pace setter in Ife Deanery and the Diocese.” Having observed that though some members stayed away with their individual complaint while she was a member, she concluded that many other women were supportive. She reaffirmed that the bias opinion of some individuals about the body is never a new thing, stressing further that there are individuals’ differences in any groups coming together from a different family and orientation.

Mrs Fabunmi is prepared to unite any perceived differences. According to her, “during our own regime we will make sure there will be no communication gap within us. The society leaders shall be persuaded, while making individual contact.” The President promised the women to expect more of spiritual programmes and social activities from her team.

In situation of waves-along-the-sea, she would welcome the intervention of elders in the group who have served successfully - noting that experience is the best teacher.  On behalf of the new CWO executives. The President, Grace Fabunmi solicited for full support of the Parish Priest, Associate, Religious and the wonderful Parishioners. She requested them to be there at all times, both spiritually, financially and physically, while realizing that a tree cannot make forest.

Mrs V.N Adedokun, President (2011 - 2013) who also added her voice educated that the shortcoming of CWO in the parish is nonchalant attitude of young women to be part of body. She further stressed that once a lady is married, she automatically become a member. “But our own ladies don't have sense of belonging. Rumours about CWO scare those who intend to join, thereby create the problem of low attendance at CWO programmes.” She narrated. 

The Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Peter Adeyemi congratulated the new executives while appreciating the past ones; he has frequently assured his support to Church’s groups. The following executive members will hence paddle the affairs of the women organization with the president, Grace Fabunmi for another four years: Mrs Agnes U. Agim, Vice President; Mrs Agatha N. Oluchukwu, Secretary; Mrs S.O Awotipe, Assistant Secretary; Mrs Margaret Wemimo Oyesomo, Financial Secretary; Mrs Dorcas Uwadione, Treasurer; Mrs Ogoh Adeline, Social secretary; Mrs Olanrewaju M.T, P.R.O; Mrs Agnes Oyeyemi, Auditor; Mrs Veronica Busari, Laity representative; Mrs Justina Ademordi, WOWICAN representative; Mrs Omughelli , Mrs Grace Adesakin and Mrs Victoria Olafare, CAN Representatives.