The Diocese of Ibadan (Anglican Communion) on Monday unveiled activities lined up to mark the retirement and 70th birthday celebration of the Archbishop Emeritus and retiring Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Joseph O. Akinfenwa.
The programme was announced during a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, by members of the send-off committee and diocesan officials.
Speaking at the briefing, the Chairman of the Send-off Committee and Chancellor of the Diocese, Helen Ogunwumiju highlighted the achievements and contributions of Archbishop Akinfenwa during his 26-year episcopal leadership in Ibadan.
According to the committee, activities for the retirement celebration commenced on Monday, May 18, 2026, with the dedication and handing over of a retirement house to the Archbishop by the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Williams O. Aladekugbe.
The committee disclosed that a series of religious, social and intellectual events have been scheduled between May 18 and May 26 to honour the cleric’s decades of service to the Anglican Communion and humanity.
Among the activities is a provincial programme by the Christian Men Fellowship slated for Tuesday, May 19, at the Molete Events and Retreat Centre, while a novelty football match will hold the same day at the Ijokodo Diocesan Playground.
Organisers noted that the novelty match carries symbolic significance, as Archbishop Akinfenwa and his wife, Mama Comfort Akinfenwa, reportedly met on a football field many years ago.
The event will feature matches involving women organisations and archdeacons, male and female youths, as well as Sunday school children.
A public lecture titled “From the Cross to the Crown: The Travails and Triumphs of Faith” is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan. The lecture will be delivered by Wole Olanipekun, Chancellor of Ikere Diocese.
Other activities include a singspiration concert at All Souls Church, Bodija on May 21, a documentary night, tributes and dinner on May 22, retirement thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. James the Great, Okebola on May 23, and a 70th birthday thanksgiving service at All Souls Church, Bodija on May 24.
The celebration will conclude on May 26 with a retirement thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. David, Agboin, Ogbomosho.
Born on May 24, 1956, Archbishop Akinfenwa was ordained priest in 1988, became Bishop of Sokoto Diocese in 1998, and was later translated to Ibadan Diocese in 2000. He became Archbishop of Ibadan Province in 2002.
Under his leadership, the Diocese expanded significantly, with the number of archdeaconries increasing from four to fourteen, while parish churches grew to 59. The number of clergy also increased from 57 to 163 during his tenure.
The Diocese also recorded several institutional and social outreach initiatives under his leadership, including the establishment of Power Vigil, Jesus Festival, diocesan youth development programmes, health outreach initiatives, clergy training and vocational centres for women.
The committee further noted that Archbishop Akinfenwa mentored several priests who later became bishops within the Anglican Communion, describing his ministry as impactful and transformational.
Dignitaries at the press conference include Registrar, Prince Adeniran Adeyemo; Deputy Registrar, Barrister Tunde Olupona; Provost of the Cathedral Church of St. James the Great, Rev. Johnson Olusegun Faleye; Clerical Secretary of the Diocese, Venerable Adebpoju Adebayo; and the Diocesan Treasurer and Financial Adviser, Chief Ebenezer Adewale Jolaoso among others
