The Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Julius Babatunde Adelakun, has died at the age of 91.
His passing was announced in a statement on Saturday, October 25, by the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, who said Adelakun died on Friday after a long and fulfilled life of service to the Church.
He described the late Adelakun as a man who lived “a full, impactful life and whose witness touched multitudes.”
He said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course as he called on Catholics of the Oyo diocese to continue to pray for repose of the late Bishop.
“He shepherded the Diocese of Oyo with dedication for decades, leaving behind a legacy of faithful service to God, the Church, and humanity,” Badejo added.
Born on November 4, 1934, Bishop Adelakun was ordained a Catholic priest on June 27, 1965, and ordained bishop on February 11, 1973.
Adelakun served as the Bishop of Oyo for 36 years, from April 13, 1973, until his retirement on November 4, 2009. He was widely regarded for his pastoral dedication and influence across Catholic communities in Oyo and beyond.