The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, marked a historic milestone on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with the inauguration of the Diocese of Ekiti South as the 169th Diocese.
The landmark service, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter’s Church in Ikere Ekiti, drew sons and daughters of Ekiti land, alongside high-ranking clergy and notable dignitaries.
The Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba, officially declared the diocese inaugurated after the successful completion of all necessary processes and documentation.
In his charge to the new diocese, the Primate urged the members of Ekiti South to offer fervent prayers for the Bishop, The Rt. Rev Dr. Francis Bankole, and his wife, Prof. Bankole, asking for the grace they will require to “carry the load on their neck in developing the new diocese.”
The colorful service commenced at 10:00 AM and featured a grand procession that included the choir, lay readers, priests, wardens, legal officers, over 40 Bishops and Archbishops, the Registrar, the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, the Dean, and the Primate himself. The single lesson for the service was read from the book of Matthew 16:13-28.
A deeply spiritual sermon was delivered by The Most Revd Dr. Cyril Odutemu, Archbishop of Bendel Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Ughelli Diocese.
Stressing the foundational role of Jesus Christ, Archbishop Odutemu anchored his message on Matthew 16:18, proclaiming, “On this rock, I shall build my church.” He declared unequivocally that Jesus Christ is the one and only Rock upon which the newly formed diocese is laid.
“If Jesus is the Rock, we have to be careful on how we build upon it,” the Archbishop cautioned. He emphasized that the immense work and labor that led to the realization of this vision must now translate into an equally dedicated effort to build a spiritual edifice worthy of its foundation.
“This diocese is of the Lord, and He is the rock upon which this diocese will be laid. Everyone must build upon it with care, because there will be a reward,” he said.
Addressing the future character of the diocese, Archbishop Odutemu issued a clear challenge to embrace unity over division. “Ekiti South will be a diocese where unity will overcome division,” he proclaimed, adding, “The grace of God will conquer the power of hell in this diocese.”
He reminded the congregation, which included both the clergy and the laity, that the ownership of the new diocese is not vested in any individual or group. “This diocese does not belong to the Bishop or any of the laity, but rather to Jesus Christ,” he stressed, insisting that “whatever happens here should be done in honor of God’s name.”
The homily concluded with a pointed question for all members of the new diocese: “Which side would you be, to build up the house of the Lord or to destroy?”
Following the message, representatives of the various Archdeaconries being carved out as a diocese presented their petition to create the diocese before the Primate. Primate Ndukuba accepted the petition and called for the deeds (relinquishment and acceptance) to be read and executed.
The Primate thereafter formally inaugurated the Diocese of Ekiti South, leading the congregation in prayers for the new diocese and the Bishop. The relinquishing Diocesan, The Rt. Rev. Andrew Ajayi, symbolically moved out with his staff of office, a sign of signing out his jurisdiction over the newly inaugurated area.
The service was conducted by the Archbishop of Lagos, The Most Rev’d Dr. Michael Fape, and saw the presence of numerous dignitaries. These included the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, government officials, clergymen from various dioceses, Church of Nigeria officials, renowned legal luminary Wole Olanipekun SAN, and various captains of industries.
The Diocese of Ekiti South was one of the 15 new dioceses created by the Church of Nigeria at its last Standing Committee meeting held in Ekiti in September 2025.
Immediately upon the close of the inaugural service, the enthronement service for the new Bishop commenced.
