By Emeka Odogwu
The Ijesa Anglican Convention and Thanksgiving was a collaborative initiative of the four Anglican Dioceses in Ijesa land: Ilesa, Ilesa South-West, Ijesa North, and Ijesa North East that is celebrated every 26 December.
Historically, the Ilesa Anglican Diocese was established about 50 years ago, carved out of the then Ibadan Diocese. Later, around 16 years ago, the Ilesa Diocese was further divided to create the additional three Dioceses: Ilesa South-West, Ijesa North, and Ijesa North East.
The Ijesa Anglican Convention is an annual praise program held on December 26. Since its inception in 2022, the convention has been hosted by three different cathedrals:
– The inaugural edition took place at the Cathedral of St. John’s, Iloro, Ilesa in 2022.
– The second edition was celebrated at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Omofe, Ilesa.
– The third edition was hosted by the Cathedral of St. Matthew, Ijebu-Jesa.
The convention was attended by the Rt. Reverend Prof. Folorunsho Dapo Asaju, the Diocesan Bishop of Ilesa Diocese ; the Rt. Reverend Samuel Olukunle Egbebunmi, the Diocesan Bishop of Ilesa South-West Diocese; the Rt. Reverend Dr. Joseph Folorunsho Olusola, the Diocesan Bishop of Ijesa North East Diocese; the Rt. Reverend Akinola, retired Bishop of Igbomina West Diocese; the Most Reverend Michael Akinyemi, the retired Bishop of Igbomina Diocese and erstwhile Archbishop of Kwara Province who were hosted by the Rt. Reverend Isaac I. Oluyamo, PhD JP, the Diocesan Bishop of Ijesa North.
Other dignitaries in attendance include HRM, Oba (Engr) Moses Olufemi Agunsoye, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa who led the other royal fathers in to the convention; the Very Reverend Akintunde Morakinyo Fademi, the Provost of the Cathedral of St. John’s, Iloro, Ilesa; Asiwaju Fasuyi, the Asiwaju Of Ijesa Land; Chief Seyi Lufadeju, the Planning Committee Chairman; Sir Chief Temitayo AanuOlu Omole, Planning Committee Vice Chairman; Engr. Olu Abogan, the LOC Chairman;Â Mrs. Ebun Omole; Mr. Soji Kujembola; Chief Afolabi Igbaruola; Otunba Tola Faseru, the Honorable Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Osun State; Professor Theophilus Olowokure, a professor emeritus and the twin brother of the late Rt. Reverend Jacob Olabode Kehinde Olowokure.
The Most Reverend Michael Akinyemi delivered a powerful sermon during the convention, focusing on the theme “That They All May Be One.” He emphasized that this theme embodies Christ’s mindset, where unity is not only desirable but essential.
Most Reverend Akinyemi expressed his heartfelt joy in witnessing the four Dioceses unite as one, demonstrating their commitment to unity. He clarified that the creation of separate Dioceses was solely for administrative purposes, ensuring more effective management and organization. However, he stressed that this division has not altered the fundamental fact that the Ijesa people remain a single, unified entity.
In his concluding remarks, Most Reverend Akinyemi urged the people of Ijesa to maintain their unity, remaining an “unbroken chord” of togetherness. He encouraged them to continue embracing their shared identity and heritage, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.
The convention marked a significant milestone with the introduction of two new awards. 40 students, 10 from each of the four Dioceses, received Education Scholarships worth ₦25,000 each. Additionally, 32 elderly individuals, 8 from each Diocese, were honored with the Elderly Award.
These awards were a first for the convention, demonstrating the organizers’ commitment to supporting education and recognizing the contributions of elderly members of the community. The awards ceremony was a highlight of the convention, celebrating the achievements of the recipients and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
The convention is indeed a reunion of the old and the new folks. It has created a healthy ground for interaction between the members of the four Dioceses and development is a promise. Everyone now looks forward to seeing December 26 as we know it will be another moment of unequivocal praise to God. The next edition shall hold at the Diocese of Ijesa North East, Ipetu Ijesa.
