…..”The faithful gathered from across the Diocese to celebrate a lifetime of visionary leadership, powerful ministry, and enduring legacy.”
It was not by chance, but by divine design, that the Ibadan Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) celebrated its 20th Jesus Festival 2025 from 16 – 26 October 2025. The celebration was rounded up with a Thanksgiving Service Harvest at the majestic Cathedral of Saint James the Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan on Sunday 26 October. The occasion carried special significance, as it marked the final Jesus Festival over which Most Reverend Akinfenwa would preside before his well-deserved retirement in early 2026.
Hundreds of the faithful from every archdeaconry across the Diocese gathered with hearts full of joy and gratitude, lifting prayers and warm wishes for Bishop Akinfenwa and his gracious, virtuous wife, Comfort, as they are preparing for the next chapter of their lives. The atmosphere was one of celebration, reflection, and deep appreciation for years of unwavering service.
Thirteen worthy sons and daughters were specially honored and decorated with garlands.
Most Reverend Akinfenwa has long stood as a pillar of strength and a guiding light in the Anglican Church. His sermons, delivered with power and clarity from the pulpit, will endure through time, destined to serve as a reference and inspiration for generations of theological students. His legacy of faith, wisdom, and pastoral excellence is firmly engraved into the very fabric of the Church.
In his sermon titled “From Glory to Glory”, the Lord Bishop of Osun Diocese, Rt. Reverend F.O. Babatunji, eloquently captured these attributes. He hailed Bishop Akinfenwa as a “leader of all leaders,” noting that numerous bishops across the South-West and beyond had served under his mentorship as canons and archdeacons. He praised the indelible mark Bishop Akinfenwa would leave on the Diocese, a legacy of faithfulness, discipline, and visionary leadership.
The 20th Jesus Festival thus became more than an annual celebration, it was a heartfelt tribute to a life of devotion, a ministry that has inspired countless souls, and a celebration of a leader whose impact will resonate long after his retirement. Truly, it was a day of thanksgiving, joy, and divine orchestration, a fitting send-off for a servant of God whose light shines brightly in the archives of the Church of Nigeria.
