http://www.catholicdioceseoyo.org/

Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Oyo (2026)

24/06/2026

BISHOP BADEJO BRINGS HOPE TO INMATES THROUGH CHAPEL BUILDING SUPPORT

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, has donated roofing materials worth over ₦1 million towards the completion of the chapel at the Abolongo Correctional Centre, Oyo.

The donation is aimed at supporting the ongoing construction and roofing of the chapel, which serves as a place of worship, prayer, and spiritual renewal for inmates. The gesture underscores the Catholic Church's commitment to pastoral care, evangelization, and the promotion of human dignity, particularly among persons in correctional facilities.

Receiving the materials, the Superintendent of the Correctional Centre and the Prison Chaplain expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Bishop for his fatherly concern and continuous support for the spiritual welfare of inmates. They noted that the completion of the chapel will provide a conducive environment for worship, sacramental celebrations, and faith formation activities within the facility.

The donation is expected to accelerate the roofing project and further strengthen the Church's mission of bringing hope, healing, and the love of Christ to those in custody.

24/06/2026

OYO ZONE CAN CHAIRMEN VISIT BISHOP BADEJO, URGE CHRISTIAN PARTICIPATION IN UPCOMING ELECTIONS

- Michael Okeola

The four Zonal Chairmen of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Oyo State paid a courtesy visit to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, at the Diocesan Secretariat today.

The visit provided an opportunity for fruitful discussions on the role of Christians in shaping society, particularly through active participation in the forthcoming elections. The delegation and the Bishop reflected on the importance of responsible citizenship and the need for Christians to contribute positively to the democratic process.

Addressing the Chairmen, Bishop Badejo emphasized the importance of voter participation and charged them to intensify awareness among Christians on the need to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), exercise their voting rights, and encourage capable and credible Christians to offer themselves for public service.

The Bishop further stressed that leadership should be seen as a call to service rather than an avenue for personal gain. He urged those currently occupying positions of authority to avoid taking their offices for granted and instead use their influence and resources for the common good and the development of society.

Highlighting the values expected of Christians in public life, Bishop Badejo called on Christian leaders and faithful alike to distinguish themselves through integrity, honesty, accountability, and a commitment to justice. He noted that Christians must be exemplary in both character and conduct, especially in the political sphere, where their actions should reflect the teachings of Christ.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promoting civic responsibility among Christians and encouraging greater involvement in the democratic process for the betterment of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

22/06/2026

GONE FOR TOO LONG: CATHOLIC BISHOPS DEMAND IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ORIIRE KIDNAP VICTIMS

- Michael Okeola

The Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have issued a passionate and urgent call to the Federal and Oyo State Governments to secure the immediate release of 46 abductees kidnapped during an attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State over a month ago.

The call was made during a press conference held at the Secretariat of the Archdiocese of Ibadan. Present at the conference were Archbishop Gabriel Leke Abegunrin of the Ibadan Archdiocese, Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo of the Diocese of Oyo, Bishop Anselm Lawani of the Diocese of Ilorin, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oluwasanmi Oyelami the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ibadan, and Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade.

Speaking through a statement titled "Gone for Too Long: Bring Them Home, Now!", the bishops expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of 39 learners and seven teachers abducted from schools in Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area.

The bishops described the situation as a humanitarian tragedy, noting that some of the victims are as young as two years old and have endured more than a month in harsh forest conditions without adequate shelter, nutrition, or medical care.

"We say enough is enough," the bishops declared, condemning what they described as a gross assault on the sanctity of human life and social order.

The statement recalled the murder of a teacher and a motorcycle rider during the attack, as well as the reported beheading of another teacher while in captivity, describing the acts as barbaric and completely alien to Yoruba culture and values.

The bishops lamented what they called the worsening state of insecurity across Nigeria, particularly in the South-West, where traditional rulers, farmers, schools, and communities have increasingly become targets of violent criminal attacks.

Questioning the effectiveness of existing security measures, the bishops noted that despite repeated assurances from government authorities, many Nigerians still feel unsafe.

"Who can be blamed for asking if anyone is still in charge in Nigeria?" the statement asked.

During the question-and-answer session, Bishop Emmanuel Badejo clarified that the Church was not accusing the government of doing nothing but insisted that the results expected by citizens had not yet been achieved.

"We acknowledge the promises and efforts of government. We saw the Governor personally visit the affected families and embrace them. However, a month is more than enough time for those who command the resources and apparatus of state security to bring these children home," he said.

According to him, the Church delayed making a public intervention because it hoped that government efforts would quickly yield results.

"As pastors of souls, we feel the pain of the victims and their families. We have waited because we believed government was doing something. But what has been the result?" he asked.

Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin added that the press conference served as a reminder to government authorities that Nigerians are still waiting anxiously for the return of the abductees.

Responding to questions regarding calls by some individuals to personally rescue the abductees, Bishop Anselm Lawani cautioned against transferring responsibility for security from the state to private citizens.

"It is the constitutional responsibility of government to secure lives and property. If security is left in the hands of individuals, it becomes a sign of failure in the security architecture of the nation," he said.

Bishop Badejo echoed the sentiment, warning that allowing citizens to independently take up security responsibilities could encourage lawlessness and undermine confidence in state institutions.

"If we outsource security to private individuals, it suggests that the authority of the state has collapsed. That is dangerous for any democracy," he stated.

The bishops also defended the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protests regarding insecurity.

Bishop Lawani noted that protest remains a legitimate democratic tool when conducted within the law.

Similarly, Bishop Badejo stressed that peaceful demonstrations, prayer rallies, fasting programmes, and visits to affected families were all legitimate ways through which citizens and religious groups express concern and solidarity.

"As long as protests remain peaceful, they help keep government focused on its responsibilities," he said.

Responding to concerns about political actors using insecurity for partisan purposes, Bishop Badejo urged leaders at all levels of government to prioritise the welfare of citizens above political interests.

"This is not the time to argue about which level of government is responsible. When people are suffering and dying, what matters is that all levels of government work together to solve the problem," he said.

He emphasised that the Federal Government, state governments, and local governments have interconnected responsibilities and must cooperate in addressing security challenges.

The bishops renewed their support for the establishment of State Police, urging the Federal Government and the National Assembly to accelerate necessary legislative processes.

According to the statement, strengthening local security structures, enhancing intelligence gathering, securing forests, empowering grassroots communities, and deploying technology are critical measures needed to address the country's security crisis.

The bishops further criticised policies that appear to favour the reintegration of so-called repentant bandits while victims continue to suffer.

They argued that justice, accountability, and transparency require that criminals face the full consequences of their actions.

When asked whether Church leaders had engaged government officials privately on security matters, Archbishop Abegunrin explained that the Church has consistently communicated its concerns through various channels over the years.

He noted that bishops and Church leaders regularly engage individuals close to government and continue to advocate for improved security and good governance.

"This press conference is simply one of the ways the Church is speaking out publicly. We have not been silent," he said.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Badejo stressed that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social status.

"Terror does not discriminate. The fear a Christian feels is the same fear a Muslim feels. We must all unite to confront this challenge before it becomes everyone's tragedy," he said.

The bishops concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, pray for victims of violence, and support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.

The press conference ended with a closing prayer led by Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oluwasanmi Oyelami, The Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ibadan and a renewed appeal for the immediate release of the abducted children and teachers.

22/06/2026

A Press Conference of The Catholic Bishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province

21/06/2026

ST PAUL ITASA PARISH CELEBRATES CHURCH DEDICATION AS BISHOP BADEJO BLESSES ALTAR AND TABERNACLE

- Michael Okeola

The Catholic faithful of St. Paul Catholic Church, Itasa, Oyo State, gathered in joyful celebration as the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, dedicated the newly completed church building and blessed the altar, tabernacle, and baptistery during a solemn Eucharistic celebration. The occasion also witnessed the baptism of infants and young children, making it a memorable milestone in the history of the parish.

The celebration attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, clergy, religious, and faithful from various communities. Among the dignitaries present were the Onitile of Itasa, HRM Oba Michael Sijuola Oyediran; the Onidiko of Idiko-Ago, HRM Oba Joseph Teogbola Oyediran; the Bagijan of Ilaji-Ile, HRM Oba Alhaji Lawal Oyedepo Oyeleye; the Amunijio of Ijio, HRM Oba Mudashiru Olawale Oyewobi; the Gegun of Ayetoro-Ile, HRM Oba Rasheed Omobolanle; the Alayegun of Ayegun Wasinmi, HRM Oba Emmanuel Oyedepo Alao; the Baale of Gbedu, Baale Ezekiel Olopade, alongside other chiefs and distinguished guests.

The Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop Badejo alongside the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. David Ayodeji. Rev. Fr. Joseph Adejumo and Rev. Fr. Philip Onifade also joined the celebration after concluding Masses in their respective parishes.

In his homily, Bishop Badejo called on the faithful to cultivate hearts of gratitude, reminding them that every living soul has a duty to continually thank and bless God for the gift of life. He noted that while the Church was celebrating the blessing of a physical structure, the true focus of the celebration was the people of God, who are themselves living stones in God's spiritual house.

The Bishop emphasized that the dedication of the church building, altar, tabernacle, and baptistery serves as a reminder that the Church is more than a physical structure. Rather, it is a sacred place where God's people gather to worship, pray, receive the sacraments, and encounter the presence of God.

He urged the faithful to be living witnesses of God's goodness in society by allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within them. According to him, Christians should distinguish themselves through good character, upright living, and genuine love for one another, thereby becoming lights in a world often troubled by division and moral challenges.

Addressing the newly baptized children and their guardians, Bishop Badejo explained that Baptism makes one a full member of the Catholic Church and a child of God. However, he reminded them that the Christian life does not remove temptations, trials, and difficulties. Rather, it provides the grace and strength necessary to remain steadfast in faith and faithful to Christ amid life's challenges.

Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 1:18, the Bishop encouraged the faithful to continually seek reconciliation and renewal before God. He called on them to remain steadfast in doing good, assuring them that holiness is achieved through perseverance, gratitude, and faithfulness to God's commandments.

As the Church also marked Father's Day, Bishop Badejo paid tribute to fathers and acknowledged their important role in the family, Church, and society. He encouraged fathers to be examples of faith, responsibility, integrity, and leadership, while urging mothers to continue supporting them as partners in building strong and united families.

The Bishop further called for peaceful coexistence among all people, stressing that Christians, Muslims, and Traditionalists are all members of one human family created by God. He urged members of the various communities to reject anything capable of causing conflict, division, or hatred, and instead work together for peace, harmony, and development.

Concluding his homily, Bishop Badejo encouraged the faithful to live worthy Christian lives and pointed them to St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians, Chapter 3, as a guide for holy living, charity, forgiveness, and unity.

Speaking on behalf of the Parish Pastoral Council, the Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Awolere, together with Mr. Ojedele, expressed profound gratitude to Bishop Badejo for his fatherly care, guidance, and unwavering support for the parish. They noted that his visits and encouragement have consistently marked important milestones in the growth and development of the community.

In his vote of thanks, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. David Ayodeji, appreciated all benefactors, parishioners, and supporters who contributed in various ways to the successful completion of the project and the growth of the parish community.

He paid special tribute to the Onitile of Itasa and the Onidiko of Idiko-Ago for their consistent support, encouragement, and goodwill towards the Church and its mission. He also thanked the Catholic Women's Organisation (CWO), Catholic Men's Organisation (CMO), Church Wardens, Choir, prayer groups, and all parishioners whose sacrifices and commitment have contributed to the remarkable growth of the parish.

Special appreciation was extended to Mr. Ojedele, Chief Stephen (Balogun), Mr. Emmanuel Awolere, Mama Lucia Aderoju, Pa Olaogun, the family of Mrs. Agnes Ojoawo, Catechist Dominic Olawoore, and Mama Elizabeth Kilanko for their outstanding support and dedication to the parish.

Fr. Ayodeji further thanked Bishop Badejo for setting aside his demanding schedule to celebrate with the parish community and for his continued prayers, encouragement, and support. He also expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, dignitaries, and visiting priests who graced the occasion.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Badejo commended the unity, commitment, and spirit of cooperation among the faithful, noting that the growth witnessed in the parish is a direct result of harmony between the people and their Church. He observed that communities that remain united in faith and purpose are naturally positioned for greater achievements and progress.

The Bishop also expressed gratitude to both the present and former priests who have served the parish, acknowledging their contributions to the steady growth and development of St. Paul Catholic Church, Itasa.

Speaking after the celebration, the Onidiko of Idiko-Ago expressed gratitude to God for the successful dedication of the church and praised Bishop Badejo's unwavering commitment to the parish. Recalling his days as a former PPC Chairman, he noted that the Bishop personally laid the foundation of the church years ago and remained supportive throughout its development. He prayed for God's continued protection and blessings upon the Bishop and the Diocese of Oyo.

Mr. Ojedele also expressed joy at the remarkable progress achieved by the parish over the years. He described the dedication as a testimony to God's faithfulness and commended Bishop Badejo for never abandoning the community, noting that the parish has continued to experience tremendous growth since its establishment.

Similarly, the Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Awolere, described the occasion as the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream. He expressed gratitude for the rapid physical and spiritual development of the parish and prayed for greater progress in the years ahead.

The celebration ended in an atmosphere of thanksgiving and joy as parishioners, guests, and community leaders joined together to commemorate a historic moment in the life of St. Paul Catholic Church, Itasa.

21/06/2026

𝑩𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑵𝑬𝑾 𝑪𝑯𝑼𝑹𝑪𝑯 𝑩𝑼𝑰𝑳𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑶𝑭 𝑺𝑻. 𝑷𝑨𝑼𝑳 𝑪𝑨𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑳𝑰𝑪 𝑪𝑯𝑼𝑹𝑪𝑯, 𝑰𝑻𝑨𝑺𝑨, 𝑩𝒀 𝑴𝑶𝑺𝑻 𝑹𝑬𝑽. 𝑬𝑴𝑴𝑨𝑵𝑼𝑬𝑳 𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑻𝑶𝒀𝑬𝑺𝑬 𝑩𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑱𝑶, 𝑪𝑨𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑳𝑰𝑪 𝑩𝑰𝑺𝑯𝑶𝑷 𝑶𝑭 𝑶𝒀𝑶 𝑫𝑰𝑶𝑪𝑬𝑺𝑬

Catholic Diocese of Oyo

24/06/2026

24/06/2026

22/06/2026

22/06/2026

21/06/2026

21/06/2026

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