Oyo Catholic bishop emeritus, Julius Adelakun, dies at 91
The Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Julius Babatunde Adelakun, has passed away at the age of 91.
His death was confirmed in a statement on Saturday, October 25, by the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, who said Bishop Adelakun died on Friday after “a long and fulfilled life of service to the Church.”
Bishop Badejo described the late cleric as “a man who lived a full, impactful life and whose witness touched multitudes.”
He urged members of the Catholic community in Oyo Diocese to pray for the repose of Bishop Adelakun’s soul, adding that details of the funeral arrangements would be announced later.
“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.
