The Catholic Diocese of Osogbo has celebrated the ordination of six new priests, marking a significant milestone in the lives of the ordinands and the wider Catholic community in Osun State.
The ordination ceremony took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at St Joseph Catholic Church, Inisa, Osun State, with the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola, presiding over the celebration.
The event represents the culmination of years of spiritual formation, theological education, prayer and preparation for the priesthood. It also provides the diocese with six additional ministers to serve the spiritual needs of the faithful.
Meet the Six Newly Ordained Priests
The six deacons ordained to the Catholic priesthood are:
- Rev. Francis Opeyemi Oladele.
- Rev. Donald T. Obiukwu.
- Rev. Francis Ayomide Oyeleke.
- Rev. Clement Adekunle Owolabi.
- Rev. Johnson Adeyinka Afolabi.
- Rev. Joseph Adedayo Olagunju.
Their ordination marks the beginning of a new phase of service in the Catholic Church, with responsibilities that include celebrating the Holy Mass, administering the sacraments, preaching the Gospel and providing pastoral care to the faithful.
The newly ordained priests are expected to exercise their ministry in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the pastoral directives of their bishop.
Bishop Oyejola’s Role in the Ordination
As the ordaining bishop, Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola presided over the ceremony through which the six deacons were admitted to the ministerial priesthood.
In the Catholic Church, priestly ordination is a sacrament that confers sacred responsibilities on those called to serve as priests. Through their ministry, priests assist the bishop in teaching the faith, sanctifying the people of God and providing pastoral leadership within the diocese.
The occasion also underscores the importance of the bishop’s responsibility to nurture vocations, oversee priestly formation and ensure that ordained ministers remain committed to the mission of the Church.
A Milestone for the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo
The ordination is an important development for the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, which continues to prepare men for priestly ministry and service to Catholic communities.
The journey to priesthood involves years of discernment, philosophical and theological studies, spiritual formation and pastoral preparation. Ordination therefore represents not merely an achievement for the individuals involved but also a commitment to a life of service, sacrifice and responsibility.
For the families, formators, parish communities and friends who accompanied the ordinands throughout their formation, the celebration marks a moment of gratitude and renewed hope.
A Call to Faithfulness and Dedicated Service
As the six new priests begin their ministry, their effectiveness will depend on their commitment to prayer, holiness, humility and faithful service.
Priestly ministry extends beyond celebrating Mass and administering the sacraments. It also requires priests to listen to the concerns of the people, accompany families through difficult moments, support the vulnerable and promote peace, justice and reconciliation.
The biblical words of Jesus in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth,” offer a fitting reflection on the spiritual demands of priestly life.
The faithful are encouraged to continue praying for the newly ordained priests, asking God to strengthen them in their vocation and grant them the wisdom and courage to serve with integrity.
The ordination of Rev. Francis Opeyemi Oladele, Rev. Donald T. Obiukwu, Rev. Francis Ayomide Oyeleke, Rev. Clement Adekunle Owolabi, Rev. Johnson Adeyinka Afolabi and Rev. Joseph Adedayo Olagunju is a moment of thanksgiving for the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo and an invitation to the wider Church to continue supporting priestly vocations.
By Joseph Iyaji
Akahi News
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