Ogbomoso Anglican Diocese celebrates Bishop Akinfenwa on retirement at 70

Yinka ADETUNJI

The Ogbomoso Anglican Diocese has joined the wider Anglican Communion to celebrate the retirement of the Rt. Revd. Dr. Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa, former Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, as he marks his 70th birthday and bows out of active episcopal service after many years of impactful ministry.

In a statement the Diocese described him as a faithful shepherd who has run the race and kept the faith, noting his years of service marked with commitment, discipline, humility, and consistent leadership in the Church of God.

Bishop Akinfenwa, born on 24 May 1956 in Zaria, was ordained in 1986 at St Michael’s Cathedral, Kaduna, and served as Archdeacon in Kaduna before he was consecrated Bishop of Sokoto on 6 January 1998.

He was later translated to Ibadan Diocese in April 2000 as Bishop, a position he held for 26 years with distinction and steady pastoral leadership.

He also served as the first Archbishop of Ibadan Province from January 2003 to 2013, during which he strengthened the province and contributed significantly to the growth of the Anglican Communion in the region.

An academic and cleric, he studied at Ahmadu Bello University, St Francis Assisi Theological College Wusasa, and the University of Ilorin, where he obtained his Master’s and PhD degrees, combining academic depth with pastoral responsibility.

The Diocese noted that Bishop Akinfenwa consistently emphasized that consecration is “a challenge and a call to serve, not an achievement”, warning clergy against leadership that turns into domination over the flock.

He was also known for speaking on national issues from a pastoral standpoint, always calling for peace, responsibility, and unity in the country, even in times of tension and hardship.

He once said, “if we endure and do what is right, this too shall pass; and this painful process shall give birth to a better nation for us all.”

Under his leadership, Ibadan Diocese marked its 70th anniversary in January 2022, highlighting its contributions to education, healthcare, agriculture, and social development.

The Diocese described his ministry as one grounded in humility and integrity, noting that he consistently placed soul-winning above ceremony and personal recognition.

As he retires at 70, the Diocese expressed gratitude for his 26 years of episcopal service in Ibadan Diocese, describing his tenure as peaceful, stable, and impactful.

It prayed that his retirement will be filled with peace, rest, and joy, as well as fulfillment in seeing the seeds of his ministry continue to grow.

“His life and service remain a testimony of faithful stewardship,” the statement noted.

The Diocese concluded with thanksgiving and the biblical words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)