Oyo Catholic Diocese Mourns Passing of Bishop Emeritus Julius Adelakun at 91

The Catholic Diocese of Oyo is mourning the loss of its Bishop Emeritus, the Most Reverend Julius Babatunde Adelakun, who passed away on Friday at the age of 91. The announcement was made in a statement on Saturday by the current Bishop of Oyo Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, who paid tribute to Adelakun’s impactful and dedicated service.

Born on November 1, 1934, in Oniganbari, Bishop Adelakun was ordained a Catholic priest on June 27, 1965. He was consecrated as a bishop on February 11, 1973, and shortly afterwards, on April 13, 1973, he was appointed the Bishop of Oyo—a position he held with distinction for 36 years until his retirement on November 4, 2009.

Bishop Emmanuel Badejo described the late Adelakun as a shepherd who devoted decades to nurturing the spiritual and social wellbeing of his flock in Oyo. His tenure was marked by steadfast faith, compassionate leadership, and a relentless commitment to the Church and humanity. His legacy includes the foundational development of the Oyo Diocese under challenging circumstances, reflecting his selflessness and determination.

Throughout his episcopacy, Bishop Adelakun was admired for his humility, resilience, and the depth of his pastoral care. He is remembered as a man whose life bore profound witness to Christian values and left a lasting imprint on the Catholic community in Oyo and beyond.

ADVERTISEMENT

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, as the diocese invites all faithful to continue praying for the repose of the soul of the Most Rev. Julius Adelakun.

Bishop Adelakun’s successor, Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the late bishop, the clergy, and the faithful, reiterating the significance of Adelakun’s lifelong dedication to service.