Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
The retirement of the Most Rev’d Dr. Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa, Archbishop Emeritus and Bishop of the Ibadan Diocese (Anglican Communion), has been described as the end of an era marked by spiritual revival, institutional growth, mentorship, and remarkable expansion within the church.
Born on May 24, 1956, Archbishop Akinfenwa was ordained priest in 1988 and consecrated Bishop of Sokoto Diocese in 1998 before his translation to the Ibadan Diocese in 2000. He became Archbishop of the Ibadan Province in 2002, leading the Diocese through over two decades of unprecedented development.
Popularly referred to as “Baba Ibadan,” Archbishop Akinfenwa inherited only four archdeaconries — Cathedral, Molete, Nalende, and Bodija — but expanded them to fourteen through the inauguration of ten additional archdeaconries between 2007 and 2025.
These include Ijokodo, Oke-Bola, Oluyole, Asi, Ekotedo, Olubadan, Akobo, Bishop Olajide Missionary, Archdeacon Olufosoye Missionary, and Arapaja Missionary Archdeaconries.
Under his watch, the Diocese also established mission fields in Monatan and Igbo-Ora in 2016, while parish churches reportedly grew to 59 between 2000 and 2025. The number of clergy equally rose significantly from 57 to 163.
His tenure witnessed the introduction of several impactful programmes and social initiatives including the Power Vigil in 2000, Jesus Festival in 2005, honours and awards scheme, cash rewards for first-class graduating students, youth development initiatives, healthcare outreaches, clergy training and re-training programmes, as well as vocational centres spearheaded by the women organisation.
Archbishop Akinfenwa also left a lasting legacy in mentorship, with many of his priests elevated into the Episcopate.
Among them are Rt. Rev’d Akao, Rt. Rev’d Ibeagha, Rt. Rev’d Osunade, Rt. Rev’d Fape, Rt. Rev’d Okeremi, Rt. Rev’d Fajemirokun, Rt. Rev’d Olayinka, Rt. Rev’d Oduntan, Rt. Rev’d Olusola, Rt. Rev’d Adagbada, Rt. Rev’d Babalola, Rt. Rev’d Laoye, and Rt. Rev’d Babatunji.
Activities marking his retirement and 70th birthday celebrations commenced on Sunday, May 18, 2026, with the dedication and handing over of a retirement house by the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Most Rev’d Dr. Williams O. Aladekugbe.
Other lined-up events include a provincial programme by the Christian Men Fellowship (CMF), novelty football matches at the Ijokodo Diocesan Playground, and a public lecture at the University of Ibadan titled “From the Cross to the Crown: The Travails and Triumphs of Faith” to be delivered by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN).
There will also be a singspiration concert, documentary night and tributes, retirement thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. James the Great, Okebola, and a grand 70th birthday thanksgiving service at All Souls Church, Bodija.
The week-long celebration will conclude on May 26, 2026, with a retirement thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. David, Agboin, Ogbomosho.
Dignitaries, clergy, laity, and well-wishers across the Anglican Communion are expected to participate in honouring the revered cleric whose leadership reshaped the Ibadan Diocese over the past 26 years.
