St. Paul's Anglican Church, Ilase-Ijesa, in the Diocese of Ijesa-North, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), on Sunday celebrated 130 years of Christianity in Ilase-Ijesa with a grand thanksgiving service and the official launch of a landmark history book chronicling the church's remarkable journey from 1896 to 2026.
The anniversary celebration, held at the church auditorium in Ilase-Ijesa, drew a large congregation of clergy, traditional rulers, political leaders, distinguished sons and daughters of Ijesaland, members of the Anglican Communion, and guests from within and outside the community.
The Diocesan Bishop of Ijesa-North, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Isaac Iwabiolorun Oluyamo, JP, was represented by his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Olusola Oluyamo, who conveyed the Bishop's goodwill message and congratulated the church on attaining the historic milestone. She also offered prayers for the continued growth of the church and encouraged members to remain steadfast in the Christian faith.
Delivering the anniversary sermon, the Vicar and Archdeacon of St. Paul's Anglican Church, The Ven. Gideon O. Alabi, preached from Acts 5:9, charging Christians to remain faithful to God, sincere in their dealings, obedient to His word, and committed to selfless service. He described the church's 130-year journey as a testimony to God's enduring grace and urged members to preserve the rich spiritual heritage bequeathed by the founding fathers.
The cleric also expressed profound appreciation to members of the church, donors, guests, and well-wishers whose unwavering support ensured the successful celebration and launch of the church's history book.
The congregation offered heartfelt thanksgiving to God for sustaining St. Paul's Anglican Church through over a century of evangelism, worship, education, and community development. Special prayers were also offered for the continued strength, wisdom, and fruitful ministry of the Diocesan Bishop.
A major attraction of the celebration was the presence of eminent traditional rulers led by the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, accompanied by Olori Iwayemi and members of the Owa-in-Council. Also present was the royal host, HRM Oba Isiaka Ajarabiolu, the Alase of Ilase-Ijesa, whose unwavering support for the church and the Ilase-Ijesa community was warmly acknowledged.
Historic Book Launched
The highlight of the anniversary was the unveiling and launch of the church's official history book, a comprehensive publication documenting the establishment, growth, achievements, and enduring legacy of Christianity in Ilase-Ijesa over the past 130 years.
Barr. (Mrs.) Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo served as the Chief Launcher, while Quantity Surveyor Olugbenga Omirin chaired the book launching ceremony.
In his welcome address, Omirin paid glowing tribute to the numerous authors and contributors whose sacrifices made the publication possible. He noted that the labour and dedication of past generations would never be forgotten, describing the church as a beacon of light to Ilase-Ijesa.
He urged members to purchase, read, and preserve the book as a treasured historical document and enduring legacy for future generations.
The church equally honoured Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, described as the church's Baba Ijo, Executive Father, and Host of the Day, for his consistent support and invaluable contributions to the development of the church.
Special commendation was also extended to the Planning and Book Launch Committees, led by Chief Ezekiel O. Anjorin (Chairman) and Chief Philip B. Arinloye (Secretary), for their dedication and commitment to the successful hosting of the anniversary.
Other principal church officials recognised during the event included Prince Adeleke Adedeji (People's Warden), Mr. Adeniyi Olayemi (Pastor's Warden), Mr. A. B. Peleyeju (Organist), and The Rev. Sunday Adegoke (Curate).
Owa Obokun Donates ₦1 Million
Speaking during the launching ceremony, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, attributed his achievements in life to the grace of God.
The foremost monarch expressed delight at the remarkable transformation of St. Paul's Anglican Church and commended the people of Ilase-Ijesa for their commitment to the growth of Christianity and community development.
He described Ilase-Ijesa as a community blessed with prosperous and accomplished sons and daughters who continue to contribute meaningfully to its progress.
The monarch also applauded Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi for initiating the establishment of a university in Ilase-Ijesa, describing the project as a major milestone in the educational advancement of the community.
In support of the church, Owa Haastrup donated ₦1 million and further purchased five copies of the history book for ₦500,000.
Book Captures 130 Years of Christian Heritage
The official review of the history book was delivered by Prof. Samson Olajide Oke, while Prince Tunde Bolatito introduced the distinguished guests.
Prof. Oke described the publication as an invaluable historical resource that preserves the spiritual, cultural, educational, and social evolution of Christianity in Ilase-Ijesa.
He commended the contributors and researchers for producing a comprehensive document that will serve as a reference material for generations to come.
According to the reviewer, the book documents several important milestones, including:
The introduction of Christianity to Ilase-Ijesa in 1896.
The sacrifices and contributions of the church's founding fathers.
The pioneering missionary activities of Rev. Oyebode and other early evangelists.
The role of successive Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in promoting Christianity.
Marriage customs before and after the advent of Christianity.
The strategic importance of Ilase-Ijesa during the Yoruba civil war.
The establishment of St. Paul's Primary School and the growth of education.
The emergence of other Christian denominations in the community.
The establishment of the first secondary school in Ilase-Ijesa.
Christianity's influence on the moral, educational, and social development of the people.
Historical records of priests, catechists, church workers, and officers who have served the church.
Records of churches established in Ilase-Ijesa over the past 130 years.
Comprehensive lists of donors and benefactors.
Recognition of distinguished sons and daughters of Ilase-Ijesa, including the 1993 Miss Nigeria from the Fakeye family.
A vision for the future of Christianity and continued evangelism in the community.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The celebration attracted several notable personalities, including, Chief Akiiwande Akinola, Sawe of Ilesa, Alagba Iyiola Faniyi, Alhaji Chief Lateef Bakare (Ajirowa of Ijesaland), Hon. Justice Moshud Adekunle Adeigbe RTD, Asiwaju Of Osogbo,
Yeyerise Bolanle Ojo, Alagba Iyiola Faniyi, Dr. Dimeji Alo, Hon. Olugbenga Onigbogi, Prof. Taiwo Ashaolu, Chief Afolabi Igbaroola and wife, Prof. Rotimi Tayo, Barr. Prince Abel Arojojoye, Pa Oludare Aturamu, Chief and Mrs. Ezekiel Anjorin, Chief Tunde Shadiya, Chief Samson Ataiyero, Hon. Justice Adedoyin Onibokun, Dr. Oladimeji Alo, Baba Ijo Holy Trinity Cathedral Church Omofe, Ilesa, Chief Col. Akin Moses, Otunba Baba Ijo, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Omofe, Chief Moses Fakeye, Chief Gboyega Ajeleti, Hon. Moroof Ogundipe, Chairman of Obokun Local Government, Engr. Sir and Lady Yemi Oguntominiyi, Lady Folasade Aliu, Managing Director of EML, Prince Ademola Adewole Ogunmokun, Dr. Olu Olujide, and Princess Temilade Adewusi, Prof. Kola Kazeem Dame Yemisi Falope and a good representation of the Executive Members of the Ilase-Ijesa Descendants Union, among many others.
The celebration concluded with prayers for the continued growth of St. Paul's Anglican Church, lasting peace and development in Ilase-Ijesa, and God's abundant blessings upon all whose sacrifices have sustained the church since the introduction of Christianity to the community in 1896.
The 130th anniversary and the launch of the church's history book stand as a fitting tribute to generations of faithful Christians whose commitment has shaped St. Paul's Anglican Church into one of the enduring pillars of faith, education, and community development in Ijesaland.
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