Bishop Fagun Celebrates 90 Years & 60 Priestly: Bishop Adesina Extols Virtues of Kindness, Humility, and Joy

By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh

In a grand celebration that drew together esteemed members of the clergy, religious, faithful and royal fathers in their numbers, Bishop Michael Patrick Olatunji Fagun’s 90th birthday and 60th priesthood anniversary were commemorated with great fanfare. The occasion, filled by gracious tributes and expressions of gratitude, was a testament to Bishop Fagun’s enduring impact on the Church and society. Delivering the sermon, Bishop Francis Adesina of Ijebu Ode Diocese extolled the virtues of kindness, humility, joy and productive services that defined the nonagenarian’s remarkable life and ministry.

Bishop Adesina described Bishop Fagun as a “great Icon, our Patriarch and a Nonagenarian, who has proven again and again to be a living legend of our time.” He highlighted Bishop Fagun’s numerous achievements, including his translation of the Bible into Yoruba language, which, following the spirit of Vatican II, has made the Christian faith more accessible to the indigenous Yoruba people. “Baba Fagun’s passion for inculturation and evangelisation has seen him translate the Roman Missal, the Breviary, the ‘Legion Handbook’ and the Rites for the Sacraments into Yoruba language,” Bishop Adesina said.

The celebrant’s founding of the Sisters of St. Michael the Archangel (SSMA), a female religious institute dedicated to evangelization, was also noted. Bishop Adesina prayed that the congregation would remain faithful and loyal to their origin, charism, and church authority. “Be faithful and loyal to your Origin, your Charism and to Church Authority, and you will be honoured and blessed by God in all your apostolates, through Christ our Lord,” he said.

Additionally, Bishop Adesina reflected on the significance of old age, citing Proverbs 16:31, which states that “Grey hair is a crown of glory, and it is gained by virtuous living.” He emphasised that Bishop Fagun’s long life is a testament to his virtuous living and dedication to God’s service. “Happy is the man who finds wisdom; the one who gains understanding!” Bishop Adesina exclaimed, quoting Proverbs 3:13.

The preacher went further to encourage the congregation to emulate Bishop Fagun’s example, saying, “Let us commit ourselves to become ‘agents of hope’, ‘ambassadors of Easter joy’ and ‘instruments of peace’ in the world.” He concluded by praying for Bishop Fagun’s continued good health and longevity, saying, “May God continue to bless our celebrant, Most Rev. Michael Olatunji FAGUN, with strength, joy and the grace of final perseverance.”

Bishop Michael Fagun was born in Akure Oloyemeku on 17 April 1935 to the family of PA THEOPHILUS FAGUN OGANLA and MAMA REBECCA FAKOLADE FAGUN both of Blessed Memories. He was ordained a Catholic priest on 4 July, 1965, and was later appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Ondo on 28 June, 1971. He became the first Bishop of Ekiti Diocese (initially called Ado-Ekiti Diocese) on July 30, 1972, and retired from the pastoral administration of Ekiti Diocese on 17th April, 2010. He handed the diocese over to Most Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaiye who is the current Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, and the chief host of the double celebration in honour of his predecessor.