On 14th- 15th November, 2023, great mother Bodija with gratitude to God for the gift of
Episcopacy, celebrated the homecoming of her Bishops-Alumni, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony
Okonkwo Gbuji (Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Diocese), and Most Rev. Dr. Julius Babatunde
Adelakun (Bishop Emeritus of Oyo Diocese), who marked the 50 th anniversary of their Episcopal
Ordination.

The first part of the ceremony featured the Golden Jubilee Holy Mass of Thanksgiving, which
was presided over by the Metropolitan of Ibadan Province and Chairman of the Seminary
Commission, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegurin, with other concelebrating
Bishops, Most Rev. Emmanuel A. Badejo (Oyo Diocese), Most Rev. John A. Oyejola (Osogbo
Diocese), Most Rev. Francis O. Adesina (Ijebu-Ode Diocese) and Bishop Simon T. Faddoul,
Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of the Annunciation, Ibadan, Seminary Formators, Priests from
far and near dioceses and the families and friends of the celebrants. In a powerful homily
delivered by His Excellency, Most Rev. John Oyejola, the Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese,
the prelate called the attention of the Christian faithful to the need for each person to be real and
sincere to their Christian vocation. He enjoined Shepherds of the sheep to be mindful of those
entrusted to their pastoral care by God.

The second segment of the ceremony took place at the Seminary Auditorium, where a Golden
Jubilee Commemorative Book of readings written in their honour, titled Treasures Old and New:
Celebrating Three Great Men of Bodija, was unveiled and launched. Before the unveiling and
launching, the book was reviewed by His Excellency, Most Rev. Francis O. Adesina, the Bishop
of Ijebu Ode Diocese. In his review, Bishop Adesina stated that the book touches on the
biographical data of the celebrants, and includes well-researched scholarly papers on theological,
philosophical, and liturgical studies, which are relevant for inclusive human growth. He equally
recommended the book for general intellectual development of anyone who reads it. The
ceremony was graced by distinguished guests of honour from far and near.