Fayemi, others pay tribute to late Anglican bishop Adebiyi

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has described the pioneer Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, Bishop Awelewa Adebiyi, as a quintessential Ekiti indigene who made many sacrifices for the progress of the church and Nigeria during his lifetime.

A statement released by the diocese on Monday and made available to PidomNigeria Online noted that Fayemi made the remark on Saturday, during the pubic presentation of the Book, “My Name is Peter.”

The event, which took place at the Archbishop Vinng Memorial Cathedral Hall, was said to have attracted top Anglican priests and laity.

PidomNigeria Online reports that Asebiyi died in 2022 at the age of 78. He was a foremost Anglican priest who made a lot of impact in the church and Nigeria at large.

Fayemi said Bishop Adebiyi did a lot during his lifetime and worked for the progress of Ekiti State, where he hailed from.

He recalled the day Bishop Adebiyi was attacked by armed robbers, noting that “even such a traumatic experience did not stop him from doing good and impacting more lives.”

​Apart from the book presentation, the Bishop Adebiyi Foundation was instituted at the event to support theological education in Nigeria.

​”The 320-page book was written by veteran journalists, Mr Dare Babarinsa and Mr Wole Adeyemo. It was reviewed at the event by the Bishop Theologian and Bishop of Ilesa Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju.

“Many attendees described the late Bishop Adebiyi as a great theologian who was passionate about the progress of the priests serving under him.

“He was credited with encouraging many of them to return to school for postgraduate studies”, the statement added.

The former Chairman of Nestle Nigeria PLC, Chief Segun Osunkeye, served as the chairman of the event.

He spoke about the great role Adebiyi played in establishing a firm foundation for the Diocese of Lagos West.

​In his remarks, the incumbent Bishop of the diocese, The Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, who succeeded Adebiyi recalled how the late Bishop comported himself and literally sacrificed his life for the progress of the Church.

Having been part of Adebiyi’s team before the mantle of leadership fell on him, Odedeji admitted he was initially worried about the difficulty of sustaining such great work.

However, he testified that God has enabled the diocese to continue with the good work of the late Bishop.

​The Bishop of Owo Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, described Adebiyi as “One of the best bishops in the world.”

He was represented at the event by Rev. Bunmi Aladegbemi. ​The late Bishop’s son, Canon Adedayo Adebiyi, provided insight into his father’s passion for education.

He recalled how his father was nearly denied a Western education, which informed his decision to invest in the building of leaders of tomorrow

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ilesha, The Rt. Rev Dapo Asaju reviewed the book. He recounted Adebiyi’s monumental contributions and praised the authors for documenting his life so thoroughly.

Asaju said, “Knowledge that is not documented will perish.” He noted that while many are forgotten due to a lack of records, Bishop Adebiyi’s life remains “ever present before us” through this book.

​Also speaking at the event, Mr Toyin Okeowo noted that the late Adebiyi was instrumental to the survival of Ajayi Crowther University, stating that his contribution to the university was phenomenal.