- …enthrones Familoni Pioneer Bishop
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has inaugurated the Missionary Diocese of Oyo South and enthroned its pioneer bishop, The Right Reverend Dr Olufemi Familoni, at a historic service at the Cathedral Church of St. John’s Akinmoorin, Oyo State.
Presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, the ceremony drew over 40 Bishops and Archbishops of the Church, Government representatives, traditional rulers, and hundreds of Anglican faithful from across the country.
With the inauguration, Oyo South became the 167th Diocese of the Church of Nigeria.
The Primate’s official proclamation was received with great excitement by members of the congregation, who described the development as a significant milestone for the Church and the surrounding communities.
In his inaugural sermon, Bishop Familoni called on Christians to remain prayerful and courageous despite the security challenges affecting parts of the country.
He also urged the government at all levels to intensify efforts toward protecting citizens and restoring peace.
“Our vision for the new Diocese is to shine the light of Christ by touching lives with support for the less privileged and the needy. We are being driven by the zeal and purposefulness of God, just like the biblical Abraham, who was told by God to leave his comfort zone and then became the father of nations.”
Bishop Familoni affirmed that the new Diocese will prioritise missionary outreach, youth development, and collaboration with traditional institutions.
He also pledged to strengthen community engagement and support programmes targeted at vulnerable groups.
According to members of the Diocese, the creation of Oyo South is a strategic step toward bringing the Church’s pastoral, spiritual, and social services closer to communities within the Akinmoorin, Awe, Fiditi, Jobele, and Ilora axis of Oyo State.
The colourful service featured hymns, prayers, thanksgiving, and the traditional rites of enthronement, marking the beginning of a new phase of ministry in Oyo South.