The Deputy Governor of Osun State, Benedict Gboyega Alabi has congratulated Most Reverend Father (Dr) Francis Obafemi Adesina on his episcopal ordination and installation as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode.
Adesina was appointed by His Holiness, Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff and ordinated following the retirement of his predecessor, the Most Rev. Albert Ayinde Fasina who after clocking the retirement age of 75 years, was given additional four years before a replacement could be made.
Before his appointment, Reverend Father Francis Obafemi Adesina was the rector of the Major Seminary of Saints Peter and Paul in Ibadan.
The deputy governor, who attended the ordination ceremony in Ijebu-Ode on Saturday, April 25, 2019 felicitated with the Catholic faithful of Ijebu-Ode diocese saying the new Shepherd will lead them closer to God.
Alabi described Bishop Adesina as a devout man of God who has produced and mentored great priests across the country.
Delivering a goodwill message at the well attended episcopal ordination, Most Reverend Alfred Martins, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lagos and the Principal Ordinating Prelate expressed confidence in the newly ordained Bishop Adesina because of his past records.
He prayed for the success of the newly ordained Prelate.
In his own message, the immediate past Bishop of Ijebu Ode Diocese, the Most Reverend Albert Ayinde Fasina appreciated the cooperation he enjoyed at the diocese and prayed God to bless the new Bishop with the grace of a successful tenure.
The representative of Pope Francis at the event, His Excellency, Antonio Guido Filipazzi, expressed his appreciation on the hospitality he enjoyed in Ijebu Ode.
On behalf of the Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, he prayed for the Diocese of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State and Nigeria.
Dignitaries who attended the ordination ceremony included the Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, ably represented by his Deputy, Mr. Benedict Gboyega Alabi; The OGUN State Governor-Elect, Dr. Dapo Abiodun, The Most Reverend Augustine Akubeze, Archbishop of Benin and Laity President; many Bishops Bishops and Priests across Nigeria.
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