The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ondo and Bishop of the Diocese of Akure, the Most Rev. Simeone Oluwole Borokini, will retire from active episcopal ministry on July 15, 2026, bringing to a close over 40 years of service in the Anglican Communion and 13 years as Bishop of Akure.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Diocese’s Communicator, Revd. Canon Akinwande Okelola, who described the Archbishop’s retirement as the end of a remarkable ministry defined by evangelism, church growth, clergy development and infrastructural expansion.
Borokini was ordained priest in 1982 after studying at Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan. Over the years, he served in several key positions, including Statutory Canon of the Cathedral Church of St. Stephen’s, Oke Aluko, Ondo; lecturer and Registrar at Archbishop Vining College of Theology, Akure; and Registrar of Bishop Awosika College of Theology, Ondo.
In 2008, he was installed as the third Provost of the Cathedral Church of St. David’s, Akure, before being elected and consecrated as the third Bishop of Akure Diocese in 2013. He was later elevated as the fourth Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ondo.
During his episcopacy, Borokini focused on evangelism and missionary expansion, establishing new congregations and creating additional archdeaconries to strengthen pastoral care and church administration across the Diocese.
According to the statement, the Diocese has lined up several activities to celebrate his retirement. These include the Second Session of the Fifteenth Diocesan Synod, a Synod Thanksgiving and Valedictory Service, the public presentation of a commemorative book in his honour, a valedictory visit to the Governor of Ondo State, his 70th Birthday Thanksgiving Service and a grand Retirement Thanksgiving Service.
The Archbishop also embarked on farewell visits to all the archdeaconries in the Diocese, where clergy and laity paid tribute to his years of dedicated leadership, describing his ministry as one marked by faithfulness, wisdom, compassion and selfless service.
Beyond spiritual leadership, Borokini oversaw several developmental projects, including the construction of a diocesan hospital, a sachet water production factory, a modern Bishop’s Office complex and guest house facilities, all aimed at strengthening the Church’s mission and community outreach.
His wife, Mrs. Olufunke Borokini, popularly known as “Mama Akure,” also made significant contributions during her 13-year tenure as President of the Diocesan Women’s Organisation. Under her leadership, the organisation established a retreat and conference centre, introduced an interest-free loan scheme for women, organised spiritual programmes for clergy wives and awarded scholarships to children of deceased clergy.
Archbishop Borokini is expected to officially retire on July 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual growth, institutional development and strengthened ministry within the Diocese of Akure and the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
