The presence of the former Deputy Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Benedict Alabi at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Lagere, Ile-Ife, Osun State on Sunday 23 March 2025 was a result of his visit to Ife the source, as it concerns his ambition to enter the battlefield as one of the gubernatorial candidates in the next governorship election in Osun State.

The former deputy will be contesting with the incumbent Ademola Adeleke and host of others. Though he had presumably decided to fulfil his Sunday's obligation to attend the Holy Mass like other Catholics; he seized the rear opportunity given to address the congregation. Alabi alluded to the fact that Nigerians are currently going through hard times in the country. He charged Catholics faithful to continue praying daily the “Prayer for Nigeria in distress," earlier communicated by the Catholic Bishops. According to the former deputy, Nigeria is the Jerusalem for Nigerians; they should always seek her progress.

He said: " I also want to encourage us as families that at this particular time in our country, this is the time to gather, not the time to scatter." In other words, families were encouraged to use the period of Lent to forgive and reunion so that the little resources available at this time can satisfactorily go round. Alabi, attending the parish after 50 years from his last visit, precisely in 1975, considers the parish a home, hence his declaration in hope for support.

His presence coincided with the passing out thanksgiving of the Catholic corpers where he took the grace to present them with certificate of service. He encouraged the corpers and all students to work hard and be willing to go the extra mile, stressing further that there is no shortcuts in life.

The Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Professor Bola Eleruja officially welcomed the ex-deputy governor to the parish, he considered him an astute politicians and good ambassador of Catholic community in Osun State. According to him, his modest behaviour, devotion and loyalty to the State and the Church has been a good example for the coming generation of leaders to follow.

Earlier, the Parish Priest, Very Reverend Father Dr. Peter Adeyemi emphasized on call to repentance. According to him, God gives second chance. In an address on faith and emotional maturity, he saw faith as a confident trust in God's promises and plans, even when they seems impossible or uncertain. He noted that it requires perseverance when faced with challenges and difficulties, trusting that the will of God will prevail ultimately.

On the other hand, the clergy saw emotional maturity to reflect in adaptability in the face of setbacks and obstacles, personal self management, self-confidence, motivation to working towards goal, skills in negotiating disagreements, leadership potential and others. Father Adeyemi, however, concluded that by understanding the interconnection between emotional maturity and faith, individuals can cultivate a more integrated and balanced approach to emotional growth and spiritual development that combine to enhance strong faith in all believers. He wished the aspiring governor best of luck.