Homily for the Ijio Deanery Requiem Mass for Most Rev. Julius Babatunde Adelakun (Emeritus Bishop of Oyo Diocese) at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Iganna. Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State. 17th November 2025.
Date of Birth: November 4, 1934
Ordained Priest: June 27, 1965
Consecrated Bishop: February 11, 1973
Returned to the Lord: October 24, 2025
Theme: “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Master.” (Matthew 25:23)
1. Introduction: A Life Poured Out in Love.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we gather not merely in sorrow, but in profound gratitude — gratitude to God for the gift of a life beautifully lived in His service, and gratitude for the legacy of faith, wisdom, and love that Bishop Julius Babatunde Adelakun leaves behind.
Like Saint Paul, Bishop Adelakun could confidently say at the close of his earthly pilgrimage:
> “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim 4:7)
His 90 years on earth — from his birth on November 4, 1934, to his peaceful passing on October 24, 2025 — tell the story of a shepherd after the heart of Christ.
2. The Journey of Faith: From Seminary to Shepherd.
From his early days in the Catholic minor and major seminaries, young Julius Adelakun responded wholeheartedly to God’s call. He was ordained a priest in 1965, a moment that set him on a lifelong path of pastoral service and evangelization.
But his ministry was more than an assignment — it was a vocation lived with joy, humility, and dedication. He served the Church as one who believed deeply in the words of Christ:
> “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)
His episcopal ordination on February 11, 1973 as Bishop of Oyo came at a time of growth and renewal in the Nigerian Church. For almost four decades (36 years), he shepherded the flock of Christ in Old Oyo Diocese which comprise of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo and the present Catholic Diocese of Oyo, with wisdom, patience, and a fatherly heart. His leadership was marked not by power but by service; not by ambition, but by love.
3. The Communicator of Faith and Hope.
Bishop Adelakun was not only a theologian; he was also a communication expert, understanding that the Gospel must be proclaimed effectively in every age. He recognized that in a world of noise and distraction, the Church must speak clearly, compassionately, and truthfully.
Through his gift in communication, he helped the Church in Nigeria to use media responsibly — to inform, to educate, and above all, to evangelize. In this, he followed the example of Christ, the Word made flesh, who communicated God’s love not only in words but in actions of mercy and compassion.
4. A Father to Many: Shepherding Priests and the Faithful.
One of the beautiful fruits of his ministry is that five priests ordained by him later became bishops. This is no small testament to his role as a mentor and father. It reveals a bishop who did not seek to shine alone, but one who formed others to carry the light of Christ further.
He knew that the future of the Church rests in forming good priests, and he gave himself to that mission. Through his gentle guidance, countless priests, religious, and lay faithful discovered their calling and deepened their faith.
5. The Heart of Charity: His Love for the Poor.
Beyond the pulpit and the sanctuary, Bishop Adelakun’s heart was moved by compassion for the poor and the young. His foundation for indigent students continues to speak of his enduring concern for justice, education, and human dignity.
He believed that no child should be denied the chance to fulfil their God-given potential because of poverty. Through this legacy, his love continues to touch lives — and will do so for generations to come.
6. The Mystery of Death and the Promise of Life.
As we gather in this sacred liturgy, we are reminded that death does not have the last word. For those who live and die in Christ, life is changed, not ended.
The same Jesus whom Bishop Adelakun preached throughout his life has now called him home, saying:
> “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34)
Yes, we mourn his absence, but our faith assures us that he rests now in the peace of Christ — the eternal High Priest, who welcomes His servant into the heavenly liturgy.
7. Conclusion: Gratitude and Hope.
As we commend Bishop Julius Babatunde Adelakun to the mercy of God, let us carry forward his example:
His faithfulness to priestly and episcopal vocation,
His passion for communication and evangelization,
His fatherly love for his priests and people,
And his charity toward the poor and young.
May his soul rest in peace, and may the Good Shepherd reward him with the eternal crown of glory.
And may we who remain be inspired to serve with the same dedication and love — until we, too, hear those blessed words from the Lord:
> “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your Master.”
Amen.
Rev Fr Anthony Olugbenga OJEDIRAN.
Catholic Diocese of Oyo.
