Wednesday, 26th November 2025 remains a historic day in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, as the Primate of all Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba inaugurated the Missionary Diocese of Oyun in Kwara at the St. Matthias’ Pro-Cathedral Church, Erin-Ile, in Kwara State.
According to the statement by the CoN Communications officer, the service which started by 3:30pm featured a procession by the choir, lay readers, priests, wardens, legal officers, Bishops and Archbishops, Registrar and General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, the Dean and the Primate.
The only lesson for this service was taken from the book of Matthew 16:13-28.
The Most Rev’d Edmund Akanya, Bishop of Kebbi Diocese, delivering the sermon at the inauguration, stated that “God is in search of men who will be shepherds.”
He centered his message on the biblical metaphor of leadership as shepherding, emphasizing on the dedication required of spiritual leaders highlighting the protective nature of a shepherd, drawing an example from the Fulani people’s deep value for their livestock, stating that they prioritize the well-being of their animals even over their children in certain circumstances.
Archbishop Akanya stressed that true spiritual leadership must be rooted in Christ, who is the “gate” for the sheep. He referenced Jesus’ words: “He who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep,” implying that any leader who does not pass through Christ is a “thief and a robber.”
He commended the newly installed bishop, The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Solomon Adewunmi for having “passed that gate,” signifying his commitment to Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
The sermon strongly urged the congregation to recognize and follow the authority of their new leader, comparing them to sheep who hear and follow their shepherd’s voice.
After the message, the representatives of the various archdeaconries being carved out as a diocese namely, Erin-Ile, Erin-Ile West and Ijagbo Archdeaconries, presented their petition to create the diocese before the Primate who accepted the petition and called for the deeds (relinquishment and acceptance) to be read and executed.
The Primate thereafter inaugurated the Missionary Diocese of Oyun with a great applause from the congregation and lead the prayers for the new diocese and the bishop.
The service was conducted by The Rt Rev’d Akintunde Popoola, the Bishop of Ibadan South Diocese and was attended by over 30 bishops and Archbishops of the Church, clergymen from various dioceses, Church of Nigeria officials among other dignitaries.
Oyun Missionary Diocese was part of the 15 newly created dioceses in the Church of Nigeria at its last Standing committee meeting held at Ekiti Diocese in September.
The enthronement Rt. Rev’d Dr. Solomon Adewunmi, the newly appointed bishop commenced immediately after the inaugural service.
