All roads led to the Church of Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo - State on Friday 27th September 2024 as Catholic Clergy, Lay Faithful and Dignitaries from across the country gathered for the 75th Birthday Thanksgiving Mass of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan and Chairman of the Bishops in Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin. 

At the beginning of the Mass, the Vicar – General of the Archdiocese of Ibadan, V. Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami welcomed all to the thanksgiving Mass.

The Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Religious, Lay faithful and Dignitaries in attendance as announced by Rev. Frs: Michael Banjo of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and Peter Ibimiluyi, the Editor of the Catholic Weekly Independent included the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job; Bishops Emeritus of Oyo, Ondo and Ilorin: Most Revs: Julius Babatunde Adelakun, Francis Folorunso Alonge and Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, OP respectively.

Also in attendance were the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins; Bishops of Osogbo, Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ekiti, Ondo and Kotangora, Most Revs: John Akin Oyejola, Peter Odetoyinbo, Francis Adesina, Felix Femi Ajakaye, Jude Arogundade and Bulus Dauwa Yohanna respectively.

Bishops of Minna, Idah, Ilorin and Oyo were represented by Rev. Frs: Charles Oladipupo, Usman Joseph, Daniel Iletoope and Vicar – General of Oyo, Francis Oladiipo respectively.

Rectors in attendance also included: Rev. Frs: Jude Asobe, CIWA, Port-Harcourt; Anthony Igbekele, SS Peter & Paul, Bodija, Ibadan; E. Lewis, St. Albert the Great, Abeokuta and William Aso, All Saints Major Seminary, Ekpoma. Similarly, Priests and Religious from within and outside the Archdiocese of Ibadan were present.

Other Dignitaries were: Oba Eddy Oyewole, Osi Olubadan; Oba Isioye Dada, Eketa Olubadan; Senator Iyinola Omisore; Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Onyeka O; Dr. Olu Aina and the Proprietor of Lumen Christi Television, Sir (Prince) Robert Soji Olagunju.

On the side of the Laity were the National President of Laity, National President of the Catholic Women Organization and Leaderships of Lay Apostolate Organizations in the Archdiocese of Ibadan, Oyo, Osogbo Dioceses as well as family members and Catholic Community of Iwere-Ile in Iwajowa LGA of Oyo - State.

While delivering his homily, Msgr. John Aniagwu, a Classmate of the Celebrant appreciated the honour and privilege given to him by the Organizing Committee to be the homilist, adding that he could not say ‘No’ to any assignment that has to do with Archbishop Abegunrin.

The theme of the day’s Mass according to him was “Thanksgiving”, while Mass itself is also a Thanksgiving. He referred all to the Mass’ first, second and the Gospel readings where King Solomon, Apostle Paul and the Demoniac that was healed by Christ gave thanks to God for what God has done in their lives. He added that such heart of gratitude must be same for Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin as he thanked God for the gift of life at 75, with the prospect of witnessing many more years.

The homilist recalled Archbishop Abegunrin’s journey of being a Priest and a Successor of the Apostles when he met him in 1978 at SS Peter & Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, while Fr. John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan (Now Cardinal) was the Rector and Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Felix Alaba Job was the Bishop, and how three of their set became Bishops, namely: Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, OP (Ilorin), Martins Olorunmola (Ogoja) and the Birthday celebrant, Archbishop Abegunrin.

The homilist also flashed back to Archbishop Abegunrin’s priestly ordination on 21st April 1979 by Bishop Emeritus of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Julius Babatunde Adelakun (who was also present at the thanksgiving Mass to witness 75th Birthday celebration of his Spiritual Son.)

Mention was also made of Archbishop Abegunrin’s studies abroad to read Canon Law and Civil Law, his appointment as the Chairman of the Seminary Commission and Chairman of Appointment & Promotion Committee, where the homilist said he also served and helped him to study His Grace the more as a Servant Leadership Model, who gives everyone an opportunity to contribute and added that such is the leadership model needed in the Church and Civil Society.

Msgr. Aniagwu also pointed out a portion of short profile of the Celebrant, when in 2000 as the Bishop of Osogbo, he was appointed as the Chairman of Reconciliation Committee on Ife – Modakeke crisis that caused an unquantifiable damage. He described His Grace as a Peace Maker who Scripture in Matthew 5:3-11 described as children of God, adding that His Grace has been specially blessed by God.

Msgr. Aniagwu further described the people in the world today as people who want violence, hence every election in the country is preparation of war with different security Personnel moving in as if they are going to war, whereas, Military have no business in civil election but Police personnel as used in developed countries.

“The town locked down, no movement and in case of emergency, damage are done. We are in a state of war. You have to watch where you go, who you talk to here in our country. Comment on government’s action can earn you a jail term. We need a lot of Peace Makers like Archbishop Abegunrin in this country. Let us pray for such. Unless and until that happens, Nigeria cannot know meaningful progress. I pray we have his type in large number and let it happen now. Your Grace, once again, Happy and Blessed Birthday to you. Congratulations, Your Grace.”

Also during the Thanksgiving Mass, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo read the Goodwill Message from the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; adding that Bishops of Calabar, Abuja, Katsina, Jalingo, Katsina-Ala, Uyo and Maronite Eparchy also sent in Goodwill Messages in absential.

Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin was later joined by the Clergy, Lay-Faithful, Dignitaries and family Members in Birthday Thanksgiving, while Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins prayed and blessed him. Birthday Song was also sang for him by all present with a standing ovation.

His grace in his remarks acknowledged the presence of all, both from within and outside Ibadan Archdiocese, Liturgical Functionaries, Family members and Catholic Community from Iwere-Ile in Iwajowa LGA of Oyo - State, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Religious, Laity and Church of Ascension Community.

He was specially grateful to the Bishop Emeritus of Oyo, Most Rev. Dr. Julius Babatunde Adelakun, who ordained him as a priest and Principal Consecrator as Bishop of Osogbo. Likewise, His Grace thanked Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Felix Alaba Job for always being there for him.

A reception later took place at Pope John Paul II Hall, University of Ibadan even as a Gala Night had earlier taken place the previous day and cutting of Birthday Cake also took place.