The St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ile-Ife, Osun State, is set to mark its 100th anniversary, during which it will honour three past Oonis of Ife for their contributions to the growth of the church.
The Chairman of the Centenary Anniversary Committee, former Ambassador to Cuba, Senator Segun Baju, said in a statement on Sunday that the activities marking the year-long anniversary will begin today (Monday) with a visit to the Custodial Centre of the Nigeria Correctional Service in Ile-Ife.
It will be followed on Wednesday by a three-day evangelical revival across the city and a novelty match at the prestigious Oduduwa College.
The grand finale will feature awards to the families of the past three kings of Ile-Ife – Ooni Ademiluyi Ajagun, 1910-1930; Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, 1930-1980; and Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, 1980 – 2015.
The awards ceremony will hold at the church on Sunday, November 19.
Baju said, “While Ooni Ademiluyi Ajagun donated the place on which the church was established in 1923, Ooni Adesoji Aderemi adopted the church for royal state functions. His successor, Ooni Sijuwade, maintained the protocol.”
Baju noted how the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo also adopted the church for the thanksgiving service of the installation of his wife, the late Chief Mrs. Dideolu Awolowo, as the Yeyeoba of Ife.
Narrating how the original building in 1923 was expanded twice in 1927 and 1972, Baju added that the late Bishop Timothy Olufosoye, who blessed the new church in 1972, declared that it had the largest auditorium among the Anglican churches in Nigeria.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: theeditor@punchng.com
