The Catholic Diocese of Oyo celebrated the funeral of her late Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Julius Babatunde Adelakun in grand style with a vigil Mass on Thursday 27th November and the funeral Mass on Friday 28th November, 2025. The diocese hosted Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, female Religious and the laity from within and outside Oyo diocese, who came to pray for the late Bishop, who passed on to glory on Friday October 24th, 2025 and to pay him their last respect.
At the start of the vigil Mass which took place at St Bernadine Catholic Church, Owode, Oyo, Bishop Jude Arogundade received the body of the late bishop at the entrance of the Church. The Chief Celebrant at the Mass, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo expressed that the testimonies of life of Bishop Adelakun are a reason to rejoice. In his homily at the vigil Mass, Most Rev. Francis Adesina described Bishop Adelakun as a pioneer and one of the first-generation indigenous bishops of Yorubaland, whose simplicity, pastoral zeal, and dedication to the service of God and humanity are striking. He highlighted his sacrificial spirit, noting that he “lived for God by living for others,” always ready to offer comfort, guidance, and support to the people around him. He further recounted that one priest remarked that Bishop Adelakun embodied the humility of a true shepherd: “He knew when to diminish so that God may increase.” Reflecting on the Christian understanding of death, he reminded the congregation that death is not an end but a transition. “For the faithful, O Lord, life is changed, not ended,” he quoted. He stressed that death is a wake-up call for the living, a reminder that God alone is perfect.”
On Friday 28th November, the lauds for Office for the Dead, was said before the Mass. Archbishop Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, the Metropolitan of Ibadan, was the Chief Celebrant at the Mass. The homily was preached by Most Rev. John Oyejola. He paid glowing tributes to the life, and example of Bishop Adelakun. He acknowledged the good effort of the Bishop of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, and all who took care of the late Bishop Julius Adelakun, especially in his old age. Bishop John Oyejola described Baba Adelakun as an icon, such that appears once in a life time and who acts as a guardian angel to those around him inspiring them with his simplicity, thereby drawing them to God. Then he affirmed that Bishop Adelakun’s death is one that should make all grateful, because he was a leader who led by diligent service. Most Rev. John Oyejola emphasized that the late Baba Adelakun lived his episcopal motto, Faith and Culture. He brought the faith to the culture and was able to make the culture incarnate in the faith, living his life as a trustworthy servant, who taught others to listen and took joy in helping and seeing others growing. Bishop John Oyejola recalled the seed of faith Baba Adelakun planted in Osogbo Diocese, and how he worked hard to make the new Oyo Diocese grow to gradually.
The condolence message from the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (Propaganda Fide) was delivered by the Vicar General of Oyo Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola. There were condolence messages from the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria. The latter was delivered by the Secretary General of the CSN, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Leke Banjo. He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the presence of the Bishops present from Ekiti Diocese, Ilorin Diocese, Wukari Diocese, Kastina Diocese, Ijebu Ode Diocese, Abeokuta Diocese, Ondo Diocese, Oshogbo Diocese, Lagos Diocese, Ibadan Archdiocese. The Bishops Emeriti of Ondo Diocese, and Ibadan Archdiocese. After this, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin expressed appreciation to all present, and all who took time to take care of Baba Adelakun, before he passed on to glory.
The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo also took time to express the appreciation of Oyo Diocese for the overwhelming love shown to her as she prepared for the burial. He told everyone present that Bishop Adelakun lived full circle, because on the same ground where he was ordained as the Bishop of Oyo in 1973 is where the burial Mass is taking place.
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Lagos Archdiocese did the final commendation after which the body of the late Bishop was taken to Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Oyo, where he was buried. Bishop Felix Ajakaye performed the burial rites at the graveside.
