Amb. Edith ISIDAHOMEN & Michael OKEOLA

 

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo, together with clergy, religious, laity, dignitaries and Church leaders from across Nigeria, gathered to honour the life of Bishop Julius Babatunde Adelakun, Bishop Emeritus of Oyo Diocese, who passed away on Friday, 24 October 2025 at the age of 91. His funeral rites began with a Vigil Mass on Thursday, 27 November 2025, and the Funeral Mass was held on Friday, 28 November 2025 on the expansive grounds of St. Bernardine Girls Grammar School—historic soil where Bishop Adelakun himself was ordained Bishop in 1973.

The Christian Wake, held at St. Bernardine Catholic Church, Owode, Oyo, began at exactly 4:30 PM with the reception of the Bishop’s body by the lay faithful. Priests, Religious, and the Diocesan Bishop led hymns of farewell as the body was blessed and formally received by Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, Bishop of Ondo Diocese. The presence of 11 Bishops from across Nigeria underscored the deep respect the late Prelate inspired throughout the nation.

In his homily at the Funeral Mass on 28 November, Most Rev. John Akinkunmi Oyejola, Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, expressed deep gratitude to all who cared for the late Bishop during his lifetime. He also appreciated the Bishop of Oyo for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that priests and faithful visited Bishop Adelakun regularly, a gesture he believed contributed to the Bishop’s long and peaceful life.

 

Bishop Oyejola described Bishop Adelakun as a rare individual “who appears only once in a lifetime, unique in style, personality, faith and grace.” He stressed that true greatness is not found in charisma or eloquence, but in the quiet strength of character, authenticity and calm resilience.

 

“Baba J.B. Adelakun was one of such people. I have never met anyone like him, and I am certain I never will again. His presence, his time, and his approach to life were truly unique,” he said.

 

The homilist recalled his first meeting with Bishop Adelakun in 1983, when he was an aspiring seminarian from Oyo town. The late Bishop had encouraged his vocation and reminded him that priesthood demands selflessness, service to humanity and sacrifice, the virtues he himself embodied throughout his ministry.

 

Bishop Oyejola admitted that preaching at the funeral was an emotional moment because Bishop Adelakun’s influence shaped his life “more profoundly than words can fully express.” He praised the late Prelate as a man who recognized potential in others and nurtured their gifts with patience, mentorship and genuine care.

 

He noted that the late Bishop formed numerous men and women for service in the Church, and several leaders in today’s Church attribute part of their formation to him.

“He did not set out to form Bishops or Leaders; that is simply the consequence of his dedication to human development,” he emphasized.

 

The homilist further described Bishop Adelakun as a leader who guided not by command or control, but with compassion and love. “He was a builder of people, building leaders, not followers.” He encouraged the faithful to draw inspiration from the late Bishop’s life of humility, commitment and service.

As the Church laid to rest Bishop Julius Babatunde Adelakun, many described his death not only as a moment of sorrow, but also as a wake-up call for the living. In the words of Bishop Oyejola, preaching at funerals is meant for those still alive, to reflect on the meaning of life, legacy and service.

 

In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, thanked God for Bishop Adelakun’s life, describing him as a great icon in the Church in Nigeria. He added that all present at the Funeral Mass, clergy, religious and laity stood as living testimonies of his fruitful and impactful ministry.

 

Fr. Banjo acknowledged the presence of Bishops and their representatives from across the country, including:

Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye, Ekiti Diocese

Most Rev. Anselm Pendo Lawani, Ilorin Diocese

Most Rev. Mark Maigida Nzukwein, Wukari Diocese

Most Rev. Gerald Maman Musa, Katsina Diocese

Most Rev. Francis Obafemi Adesina, Ijebu-Ode Diocese

Most Rev. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo, Abeokuta Diocese

Most Rev. Jude Ayodeji Arogundade, Ondo Diocese

Most Rev. John Akinkunmi Oyejola, Osogbo Diocese who was the homilist

He also recognized the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan and Chief Celebrant, Most Rev. Gabriel ’Leke Abegunrin, as well as Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, and Most Rev. Francis Folorunsho Alonge, Bishop Emeritus of Ondo Diocese.

 

The Bishop of Oyo, Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, in turn expressed gratitude to all who cared for Bishop Adelakun in his final years, including priests, seminarians, religious sisters, and medical caregivers. He acknowledged their compassion and commitment, which made the late Bishop’s old age more comfortable.

In his address, Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin expressed gratitude to all who travelled from near and far to honour the late Bishop despite the challenging conditions in the country. He also appreciated the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and everyone who contributed to the successful and dignified burial ceremonies for the late Bishop.

 

Tributes continued after the Mass. Monsignor Dominic Sunday Ajayi reflected on standing once again in the place where Bishop Adelakun was consecrated in 1973. He described the late Bishop as a builder in every sense—intellectual, spiritual, moral, and physical—recalling the days seminarians carried concrete with their hands under his leadership during the construction of Mulumba Hall. He praised the late Bishop’s discipline, perseverance, and visionary leadership. He also celebrated the remarkable friendship between Bishop Adelakun and Bishop Fagun, noting how their humility, tolerance, and respect for each other built a lasting bond worthy of imitation.

 

Sr. Rita Onye DHS shared memories of Bishop Adelakun’s joyful simplicity and unwavering devotion to prayer. She described him as a man of peace, serenity, and gratitude, whose life of prayer and humility should inspire all who encountered him.

Bishop Adelakun’s life marked by humility, mentorship, pastoral care and servant leadership remains a powerful example. The countless priests, religious, lay faithful and fellow Bishops who attended his funeral bear witness to a life well lived. His legacy continues to inspire commitment to faith, service and the growth of God’s people.