History was made on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, as the Diocese of Oyo South was officially inaugurated, becoming the 167th Diocese in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
The landmark service was conducted by the Primate of all Nigeria, The Most Reverend Dr. Henry Ndukuba, at the Pro-Cathedral Church of St. John, Akinmoorin, Oyo State.
The service, which commenced at 9:30 am, was marked by a grand procession that included the choir, lay readers, priests, wardens, legal officers, Bishops and Archbishops, the Registrar, the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, the Dean, and the Primate.
The scripture lesson for the inauguration service was taken from the book of Matthew 16:13-28.
Delivering the sermon from Isaiah 60:1-3, with the theme “Arise and Shine the Light of the Gospel in Oyo South,” The Most Reverend Isaac Nwaobia, Archbishop of Aba Province, charged the new diocese with its core mission: to ensure that its creation leads to the shining of the light of Christ throughout the area.
Archbishop Nwaobia urged the faithful to remain unified and focused on God so that the diocese can successfully spread the light of the gospel. He emphasized that the creation of the diocese is a “call to duty,”demanding that members “break new fallow grounds by planting more churches and winning souls for God.”
He affirmed that God is actively building His church, and all members are necessary for this process.
Addressing the pioneer bishop, The Rt. Revd Ebenezer Familoni, the Archbishop charged him to lead with the fear of God, to be fearless, proactive, and to prioritize mentorship and holiness in his leadership.
Following the sermon, the representatives of the two archdeaconries carved out to form the new diocese, Akinmoorin Archdeaconry and Fiditi Archdeaconry presented their official petition to the Primate. After accepting the petition, the deeds of relinquishment and acceptance were read and executed.
The Primate thereafter formally inaugurated the Diocese of Oyo South, which was met with a great applause from the congregation. He then led prayers for the new diocese and its bishop.
The successful inauguration service, which was conducted by the Archbishop of Kwara Province, The Most Reverend Israel Amoo, was attended by an impressive array of dignitaries, including over 40 Bishops and Archbishops, State government officials, clergymen from various dioceses, Church of Nigeria officials, captains of industries, and retired bishops and archbishops.
The Diocese of Oyo South was one of the 15 newly created dioceses approved during the Church of Nigeria’s last Standing Committee meeting held in Ekiti Diocese in September.
The enthronement service for the new bishop commenced immediately after the inaugural service.
