By CSN Media
The funeral proceedings for Bishop Julius Adelakun commenced with a Vigil Mass held at St Bernadine Catholic Church, Owode, Oyo. The body of the late bishop was received by Bishop Jude Arogundade, while the Chief Celebrant of the Mass was Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, who noted that the testimonies of Bishop Adelakun’s life provided ample reason for rejoicing.
During the vigil homily, Most Rev. Francis Adesina portrayed Bishop Adelakun as a pioneer among the first‑generation indigenous bishops of Yorubaland, highlighting his simplicity, pastoral zeal, and unwavering dedication to God and humanity. He remarked, “He knew when to diminish so that God may increase,” underscoring the bishop’s profound humility.
On Friday, 28 November, the Lauds for the Office of the Dead were recited before the Mass. The Chief Celebrant for this Mass was Archbishop Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, Metropolitan of Ibadan, while the homily was delivered by Most Rev. John Oyejola. Bishop Oyejola acknowledged the diligent care provided by Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, Bishop of Oyo, and all who supported Bishop Adelakun, especially in his later years.
The funeral culminated with the final commendation performed by Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of the Lagos Archdiocese, after which the body was transported to Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Oyo, for burial. Bishop Felix Ajakaye conducted the burial rites at the graveside.
The condolence message from the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (Propaganda Fide) was read by the Vicar General of Oyo Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola. Additional condolences were received from the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the latter delivered by the Secretary General of the CSN, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Leke Banjo.
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished assembly of bishops from various dioceses (Ekiti, Ilorin, Wukari, Kastina, Ijebu Ode, Abeokuta, Ondo, Osogbo, Lagos, and Ibadan) as well as Bishops Emeriti of Ondo Diocese and Ibadan Archdiocese.
In his remarks, Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop of Oyo, expressed the diocese’s gratitude for the overwhelming love and support shown during the burial preparations. He highlighted the symbolic full circle of Bishop Adelakun’s life, noting that the burial Mass was taking place on the very ground where Adelakun was ordained as Bishop of Oyo in 1973.
