Baskadia

CATHEDRAL OF ST. PHILIP, OTAN AYEGBAJU 1900 TO DATE.

BACKGROUND: Saint Philip’s Anglican Church, Otan Ayegbaju was founded by Pa. Ogunjide Fariyike, son of a prominent herbalist and ifa priest in Otan Ayegbaju . He was an itinerant trader who became a converted Christian while in Ifako Lagos through Mr. Coker in 1898 on his conversion he took the name Moses Ogunjide Fariyike, he return to his home town Otan Ayegbaju to established a Church, he met another European man known as Rev. John Markay in his area. The Church which was formally called (CMS) Church Missionary Society, Otan Koto was established on 1st November 1900 and called Saint Philip, Anglican Church. Pa. Moses Ogunjide Fariyike was joined by Pa. Samuel Lasehinde (Ora) Pa. Joshua Omotoso, Oyarike and Ogunniyi but they did not stay long in Otan, Pa. M. O. Fariyike was left along to spread the gospel and his new religion to his people at Otan on hearing of the Christianity at Obaagun, Pa. Ogunjide joined them for worship as well as helping to propagate the message of Christ in Otan and Obaagun. The early converts in Otan were Pa. Ogunjide Fariyike, Fayehan Omode, Awopeju, Joshua Omotoso Ajayi, Awe Fagbemi. Pa. Moses Ogunjide Fariyike’s favourite Hymn them was ‘’Jesu Olugbala mo fori fun ‘’Jesu Olugbala mo fokan fun ‘’ A kin ma ba ku gbe o jare etc. Literarily translated as follows: ‘’ To Jesus the savour I bowed my head ‘’To Jesus the savior I gave my heart ‘’ Lest I should die for ever.’’ The first meeting / service was held in Pa. Moses O. Fariyike’s house at Assosaniyin Compound, Otan Ayegbaju on St. Philip day in 1st of May 1900. The first service in the Church building was on Tuesday November 1, 1900 at Ita Elokun, many indigene Christian converts from Ghana, Port – Harcourt and other places came home from their Sojourns and joined the Christians at Otan. The Church was solely financed by Pa. Moses Ogunjide Fariyike, members of congregation and assisted by Pa. Jeremiah Omotoso, Pa. John Fajeote and Pa. Elijah Ajiteru. The early Christian in Otan like Obaagun counterparts faced with persecutions from Egungun adherent and unbelievers. The first Church building has been replaced four times due to hostilities of adherent of Egungun tradiotional worshippers. Burning of the Church building by the non-believers due to the increase in the members of Christian worshippers. However the Church building was re-located to a new site, Ikotun Area Otan Ayegbaju which was granted by his Royal Highness Oba Fawole Olotan of Otan Ayegbaju in 1910. The Church building at Ikotun has also been replaced twice.

THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IN DECADES

1900 -1910:The first church know to be CMS Church, Otan Ayegbaju later St. Philip, Anglican Church Now Cathedral of St. Philip, Otan Ayegbaju was founded by our above mention forebears. There were a handful of itinerant Christians with their counterparts in Obaagun, Ora Igbomina, Otan Ayegbaju etc. The church services where held at first in their houses, the first church building was bult at Ita Elokun, close to the Egungun worshippers, Sunday school was introduced in 1900 where by member were thought how to read, write and hearing of catechism for Baptism. 1910-1920: in date decade, the church relocated from Ita Elokun to Ikotun were a virgin land , through family owned was permitted by then Owa Olotan His Royal Highness Oba Fawole through that frequent clashes at the formal Ita Elokun were abated. However, the new site at Ikotun was also a favorite place of worship of a Local gods called Olukotun. By dint of prayer and devotion the new church survived and grew. The church built its first mission house (Vicarage) and a school was establishing near by in 1912. This has been replace with a modern mission house upstairs with necessary amenities. The third mission house was build and donated by the Bamgbaiye’s called Gladys house dedicated to cater for the increase in the number of church workers The first baptism was done in 1910 and the first confirmation was held in 1917 and three people were confirmed.

1920 -1030: Both the church and school grow up exponentially, the school ( St. Philip) had become a central school and a catchment central for very many neighboring towns and villages like, Ora – igbomina, Ila – Orangun, Igbajo, Iba, Agba, Ororuwo etc. The Church as had its workers Mr. Osude, Mr. David Adebayo and Mr. Bamikefa (Later Rev’d) as catechists The Church became a parish Church in 1922, the Church had it first ordained Priest Revd. W. O. A. Aiyedun (B. A) on Feb. 1922- 1924 then followed by Revd S. A. Akinola 1924 -1931. Children Service came into existance in 1922 when the Church had the first Vicar, about five hundred (500) Children took part in the service with six teachers, one may say that much has not been accomplished but it is gratifying to note the service is still making great physical and spiritual impart on the Children by allowing them to have their own Worshop and Service Church not to disturb their parents in the Adult Service. The Church was licensed for Christian marriage on 6th May, 1922 while the first marriage conducted was between Mary Onidede and John Fajawole in 1913.

1930 -1940 The Church and the School continued to grow and gained fame, Revd J. O. Olukotun served the Church from Jan. 21, 1932 before his died on Jan. 13, 1933. Deacon A. I. Wait (a Pritish visitor) Feb. 1933 and Revd Omojoyegbe till May 4th 1933 to filled in the gab, Followed by Rev’d E. T. Babatunde on May 4, 1933 – May 3 1966. The Church has its first own cemetery located at Oke Anaye, a distance of about one and a half kilometer’s to the church. The land was freely acquired from Akamo family of Otan Ayegbaju.

1940 – 1950: The Church and St. Philip’s School continued to grow upstanding side by side with All Saint’s Osogbo, St. Mark’s Offa, and St. Stephen’s Ora. The Churches in this area celebrated their Jubilee together in 1950. Co-ordinated by Rev’d Canon. S. E. O. Soyemi of All Saint’s Church, Osogbo and Rev. E. T. Babatunde of St. Philip’s Church, Otan Ayegbaju .

1950-1960: This decade saw more development in Churches, Parishes and Schools which had grown from the existing St. Philip’s mustard seed, The impart of the Church has brought into being the establishment of a mission school called Saint Philip’s Anglican School A and B and also the establishment of a Secondary Grammar School, on Tuesday 29th January 1957 called Otan Ayegbaju Anglican Grammar School. The two schools have helped the community greatly in educational development as many important dignitaries are among the products of the schools.

1960-1970: Revd Canon E. T. Babatunde left the Church on Feb. 28, 1966 after 33 years as Vicar. He was the Chairman of Otan Ayegbaju District Church Council comprices Churces from Oba, Dagbolu, Ikirun, Ada, Inisa Okuku, Igbaye Ijabe Oyan, Ila, Ora, Iba, to Omu- Oran in Kwara State. Followed by Rev. J. M. Olakunbola from March, 31 1966-1970. This period also witness another spiritual growth where 150 people was baptized on 10th April, 1966 after two years in Catechumen Class. It was called mass baptism. Otan Provisional District Church Council was created in the year 1962 at St. Philip, Ang. Church Otan Ayegbaju and Rev. T. T. Akintayo was the first Acting Archdeacon.

1970 – 1980: Rev. M. A. Oroge served as Vicar between 1970 – 1975 followed by Ven. J. F. Akinbamijo between 1975 – 1981, His tenure saw the transformation of the hold Church to the new Ven. J. F. Akinbamijo became the first Archdeacon of Otan Ayegbaju Arcdeaconry comparising, Otan Ayegbaju, Inisha, Ada, ikirun, Okuku etc.

1980-1990: Ven. E. O. Ladipo was the Vicar from 1981 – 1984 followed by Ven. M. A. Oroge 1984 – 1986 (for the second time) Ven. I. A. Awofadeji 1986 as all Churches grow up satisfact only the Diocese of Osun was carved out of Ibadan Diocese on 3rd Aug. 1987 with Rt. Rev. Seith Fagbemi as the first Bishop, Osogbo and Otan Ayegbaju Archdeaconries forms the new created Diocese and sustained it untill other Diocese were created.

1990-2000: Ven. G. A. Ayodele bacame the Vicar from 1991 – 1995 followed by Ven. S. A. Oyeleke 1995 – 1997 then followed Ven. J. A. Fayomi 1997 – 2007, St. Philip’s celebrated it first centenary in 2000. To mark this auspicious occasion, the present church building which was began in 1974 and completed in 1981 was officially dedicated by the Lord Bishop of Osun Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Seth Oni Fagbemi in 2000.

2000-2010: Ven. J. A. Fayomi who had began his tenure in 1997 which he continued untill Dec. 2007. Ven. E. O. Ogunbiyi succeded him from 1st Feb. 2008. During the centenary celebration in 2000. St. Philip’s Church was order gain administrative and structural readjustment and inevitable changes that later comminuted in rebuilding the Church and premises in rediness for examinations and approvals processes, penultimate to becoming a new Diocese from Osun Diocese which Otan Ayegbaju had formed part since 1987, Osun diocese has growns in numbers of Churches to about 106 with about 14 Archdeaconries as at 2008. The Diocesan Bishop of Osun Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. J. A. Popoola put it in his charge at the Diocesan synod held at St. Peter’s Inisha on April 2008 that any Archdeaconries who would like to form a new Diocese should make their intension known. That gave Otan Ayegbaju Archdeaconry boldness to make a proposer to have Osun North East Diocese comprises, Otan Ayegbaju, Inisha, Ila Orangun, Ada, Ikirun, Oyan and Okuku while others refused the offer but three of them Otan Ayegbaju, Ila Orangun and Ora Igbomina Archdeaconries agreed to form Osun North East Diocese. An application was written to the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion through Osun Diocese on Friday 27 February 2009. Which was endorsed by the Rt. Rev. Dr. J. A. Popoola, The Lord Bishop of Osun Diocese that the said above mention Archdeaconries were fully prepared for the realization of their dream in having a Diocese by providing a temporating bishopscourt, a fearly befitting Cathedral, a car for the Bishop, a Fearly used Diocesan Bus, and bank draft of N10,000,000 and other neccessary facilities that will make a full fledge Diocese. After the application three inspections was carried out by the provincial committee in charge of creation of Diocese led by the Most Rev. Dr. J. O. Akinfenwa and his team. The committee presented their first report to the Church of Nigeria standing committee meeting in Sept. 2008 at Abuja, the application was not scape through untill another meeting held on 12th March, 2009 at Ile Ife, the application was approved. That Osun North East Diocese with the Headquarters at St. Philip Cathedral, Otan Ayegbaju should be created. 1. The estimated population of the area covered by the proposed Diocese is above 196, 156 people. 2. The General population of the Church in the area of the propose Diocese is about 15, 274 people. a. Otan Ayegbaju Archdeaconry 5,200 b. Ila Orangun Archdeaconry 7,213 c. Ora Igbomina Archdeaconry 2,861 3. The proposed Osun North East Diocese has three Archdeaconries with the Archdeacons as follows a. Otan Ayegbaju Archdeacon- Ven. E. O. Ogunbiyi who later became the first Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Otan b. Ila Orangun Archdeacon- Ven. E. A. Oloniniran c. Ora Igbomina Archdeacon- Ven. S. S. Gbadamosi 4. The total Parishes in the propose Osun North East Diocese is 25 5. The total numbers of clergy with vicarages is 12 namely i. Ven. E. O. Ogunbiyi- St. Philip, Otan ii. Ven. S. S. Gbadamosi- St. Stephen’s Ora iii. Ven. E. A. Oloniniran- St. Matthew’s, Ila iv. Rev. Canon J. O. Onifade- St. Micheal’s Ila v. Rev. Canon M. A. Ajiboye-St. Peter’s Iba vi. Rev. Canon I. A. Awoleru- St. Micheal’s Obaagun vii. Rev. M. T. Olaleke- (Curate) St. Philip’s Otan viii. Rev. I.O. Osunpidan –St. John Church Ora ix. Rev.J. A. Olorungbenle- St. Judes Church Iresi x. Rev. S.A. Akintola- Christ Ang. Church, Iree xi. Rev. E.O. Olaleye- (Curate) St. Mathew’s Church, Ila xii. Rev. M. S. Adeyemi- (Curate) St. Stephen Church, Ora 6. The total numbers of Catechist or Evangelist is 6 in number 7. The total numbers of layreaders is 20 8. The propose Diocese of Osun North East cover almost five Local Government a. Boluwaduro Local Government, Otan b. Ifelodun Local Government, Obaagun c. B oripe Local Government, Iree d. Ila Local Government Ila Orangun e. If edayo Local Government, Ora Igbomina The Diocese of Osun North East was inaugurated on July 16th 2009 by the Primate of Nigeria, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev. Dr. P. J. Akinola and hundreds of other Archbishops and Bishops from far and near after the consecration of the first and pioner Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Humphery Bamisebi and Dr. Mrs. Moturayo F. Olumakaiye on 12th July, 2009 at the Niger Delta West Diocese, in Bayelsa State. The Bishop and his family resume in a rented House apartment at Akerekete/ Ogo Oluwa as an Office, given to the Diocese by the Family of Pastor Julius Kayode Tokede for free of Charge for almost four to five years, also The God of Glory Nursery and Primary Diocesan School started in that house together with The Anglican Chapel of Light, Ogo Oluwa, Otan Ayegbaju every Sundays. The family of Mr. Yomi Alabi also gave thier House at Akerekete/ Ogo Oluwa to the Diocese as a Temporary Bishopscourt for almost two to three years The New Bishop was conducted round the Diocese in the month of August for his Episcopal visit round the churches in the Diocese. On August 30th 2009. The first Dean of the Cathedral Ven. & Mrs. E. O. Ogunbiyi was Installed and prefferement of the first Canon in residence Rev. M. T. Olaleke was done by the Bishop. On 13th of November, 2009 at the Diocesan one day synod held in the Cathedral of St. Philip’s Otan Ayegbaju, The Lord bishop of the Diocese announced the establishment of seven new churches and the need to restructure the Diocese. On the same day he announced the creation of three new Archdeaconries Iba, Obaagun and Ila South Archdeaconries in the same vain the new Diocesan official was elected as follows: 1. The Diocesan Bishop: The Rt. Rev. H. B. Olumakaiye 2. The Chancellor: Chief J. A. O. Bamgbaiye 3. The Clerical Secreatary: Ven. E. O. Ogunbiyi 4. The Synod Lay Secreatary: Mr. Segun Agboola 5. The Diocesan Treasurer: Prince M. A. Popoola 6. The Registrat: Barr. S. O. Popoola 7. The Dept. Registral: Barr. J. A Adediji 8. The Legal Secreatary; Barr. Yinka Faronbi 9. Diocesan Financial Adviser: Prince M. A. Popoola 10. Diocesan engineer: Engr. Jide Adeniji 11. Diocesan educational Adviser: Chief (Mrs) j. M. Folayan 12. Bishop Chaplain: Rev. I. S. Elegbeleye 13. Adm. Assistance to Bishop: Rev. I. O. Osunpidan 14. Diocesan Youth Chaplain: Rev. M. T.Olaleke 15. Diocesan Music Director: Rev. I. S. Elegbeleye 16. Women’s Organization President: Dr. (Mrs.) M. F. Olumakaiye 17. Diocesan Women’s Guild secreatary: Mrs. A. Osunpidan 18. Diocesan Mother’s Union Secreatry: Mrs. R. A. Ajiboye 19. Mother’s Union Enrolling Members: Mrs. M. B. Oyadiji The first Advent ordination of the seven priests was done in the Cathedral on Nov. 2009 The first collation of three Archdeacons was done in the Diocese at St. Matthew’s church Ila Orangun on 27th Dec. 2009. The English service in the Cathedral started on 23rd Nov. 2008 by Ven. E. O. Ogunbiyi and Rev. M. T. Olaleke.

2010- 2020. On 26th December, 2010 some members of the Cathedral were investituered as Church Chiefs and others were investure on 23rd April, 2011. This Cathedral hosted Ibadan Provincial Council Meeting between 11th & 12th Oct. 2011 since the inception of the Diocese, this Cathedral has been hosting the first session of the Diocesan Synod starting with a day synod 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016 and by God’s Grace 2020 respectively. Ven. E. O. Ogunbiyi our Dean gave the notice of his voluntary retirement in January 2014 which was expired on 31st May, 2014, we thank God for our Bishop who bestowed on our departing Dean Ven. E. O. Ogunbiyi the title of Provost as a parting gift. The retired Provost, The Very Rev. E. O. Ogunbiyi was succeeded by Ven. M. T. Olaleke on June 1st 2014 as the Acting Dean and Vicar of the Cathedral of St. Philip, Otan Ayegbaju. His first duty was the preparation for the 5th Years Anniversary of the Diocese of Osun North East. The Cathedral was amply Re-painted, decorated, and refurbished with the addition of the Cathedral Lady Chapel carved out from an existing wing of the Church Verstry. On July 16th 2014 Diocese of Osun North East (D. ONE) clocked five merritorious years under our Spirit led and indefatigable Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. H. B. Olumakaiye, the growth of the Diocese (D. ONE) as be spectacular and phenomenon their in all there ramifications not only in the Cathedral seat, but also in Ora – Igbomina, Ila – Orangun, Iba, Obaagun and Otan Archdeaconries together with other branches of our Churches. The mantle of leadership of the Cathedral as be firmly held by Ven. M. T Olaleke. He is resourceful, vibrant, spiritd led, energetic and result orieanted, his service and enthusiastic leadership so far as place the Cathedral as a pace – shelter, he is a goal gelter, friendly and sociable with all and sundry young and old. The Mid Week Communion service started in the Cathedral on 21st Jan. 2015 at 5:30am -6:25am till date. Ven. M. T. Olaleke who had served as the Acting Dean of the Cathedral from 1st June, 2014 was formely Installed as the second propective Dean of the Cathedral on 27th June, 2015. A new cementry was carved out from the back of the Cathedral today 9th Sept. 2015 as a special cemetary called Paradise Garden by the Diocesan. The foundation of a new Dean’s lodge was laid on 23rd Nov. 2015 and dedicated on 21st Aug.2016 by the Diocesan in honour of Late Chief George A. And Madam Grace Fatoye by the children. The family has earlier donated borehole water to the church in 2011. The Primate of all Nigeria (Anglican Communion) the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh visited Otan Ayegbaju our Diocese to dedicate some project today 11th & 12th Oct. 2016. This Century witnessed a lot of spiritual and physical development such as the membership grew immensely on Sundays and other weekly activities on ordinary Sundays our attendance ranging from 256 to 467 on special Sundays, regular called and visitation to members home and abroad had an imprecedented positive impart on the church. The following were few physical evidences 1. The louvers blades widow of the Cathedral was completely changed by some chiefs 2. The landscapping of the Cathedral premises was done by Chief J. A. O. Eboda, repair and maintained. 3. The Cathedral East widow was changed to a colourful stain glass by Chief Dele Fariyike 4. A mobile public Address System, some blocks and Choir Ropes was donated by Chief E. Ade Aina”s Family 5. High Chief & Chief (Mrs.) J. I. Oke gave out three bed Room in his house to Cathedral Priest since 2009 to date, donation of a motor cycle and some blocks for building project in the Church. 6. The family of Chief. (Mrs.) Comfort Ogundele (Now Late Iya Ijo) donated water closet public toilet to the Cathedral 7. The complete overhauling of the Cathedral public address system was done by Mr. M. A. Popoola (Now Late) 8. Mr. Isaac A. Boladuro (Now Late) donated new modern key board to the Cathedral 9. Mr. Bisi Olaojo (Now Late) donated modern moveable lectern to the Cathedral 10.Mrs. D. O. Ogunwuyi donated refrigerator and annually suppling of Holy communion Elements to the Cathedral 10. Mr. Sunday Ajayi donated imported altar table and processional cross. 11. The family of Chief wale Salako donated a set of choir drum, and money to the church. The Children of this Family has been giving Money for Scholarship to best in Church activities three Children and Three Youth every year to mark thier Father”s Birthday up to date. 12. Chief. J. A. O. Eboda gave 4 plots of land to the Cathedral at Osogbo 13. The family of Ajala donating 3 plots of land to the Cathedral at Osogbo 14. The famodimu’s family donating 2 Rooms to the Cathedral workers. 15. The late Baba Ijo, Chief J. A. O. Bamgbaiye’s family also gave 2 Rooms in the Family house to the Cathedral workers and donating new modern Cathedral Priests quarters. 16. The premises of the Cathedral compound is now well Iluminated through a decent electrification by the Cathedral Youth. 17. The foundation of a gigantic multi – Million Naira ultral modern Dean’s Lodge was laid on November 24th, 2015 and dedicated on 21st August 2016 by the Rt. Rev. Dr. H. B. Olumakaiye in memory of Late Chief George A. & Late Madam Grace Fatoye. 18. The wife, children and the whole family of late AIG Isaac Boladuro Tiles the Cathedral Walk Way in preparation for the enthronement of our second Bishop on 2 April, 2019. 19. The Cathedral Building was also repainted by the combined voluntry support of the home congregation in April, 2019 20. The Children of Pa. Timothy Aina is donating the Cathedral Children/Youth Chapel for the Church, the Foundation which was laid on July 11, 2018 by The Rt. Rev. Dr. H.B. Olumakaiye, the building is geting ready for dedication in Octomber 2019 by God’s grace. 21. C.T.B. Society donated 6plots of Land to the Church for the Cemetry. The Cathedral hosted the year 2018 Diocesan Women’s Organization Conference with outstanding success and 10year Anniversary of the Diocese on July 2019 by God’s Grace. Our pioneer and foundational bishop, The Rt. Rev. H. B. & Prof. M. F. Olumakaiye left this Cathedral on 23 July, 2018 with a short departure servise conducted by the Cathedral Dean, Ven. M. T. Olaleke on translation to Christ Church Cathedral Marina, Lagos Diocese. He was enthronend on 30th July 2018. The Cathedral of St. Philip, Otan Ayegbaju and Diocese of Osun North East waited prayer fully for about 250 days for the arrival of his successor. The Dean of our Cathedral, The Ven. M. T. Olaleke held fort and administer the Diocese with Osun Diocesan, The Rt. Rev. Dr. J. A Popoola as the supervisory Bishop from Osogbo for good 8 Months (1st August, 2018 to 1st April, 2019) we thank God for the Peace and the Services rendered. OUR SECOND AND SUCCESOR BISHOP: On April 1st 2019 after 250 days since Bishop Olumakaiye left Otan for Marina Lagos, his successor The Rt. Rev. Ebenezer Akorede & Mrs Mary Omolara Okuyelu ( Domiremi) arrived in Otan. He was met with pomp and pageantry at our Diocesan Boundary Obaagun at 9am. The convoy arrivered and worshiopped briefly at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Otan before paying homage to the Owa of Otan Ayegbaju in council Palace at 12noon before retiring at our Bishopscourt in preparation for his enthronement at the Cathedral by 11am on April, 2, 2019. The enthronement Servise was grand, attended by Arcbishops , Bishops, Priests, Royalties, Dignitries, Guests, Families, Friends and Press from far and near. The Grace of God was apparent and overshadowing througout. The Rt. Rev E Akorede Okuyelu born in Lagos State about 47 years ago, married with children, he has sreved in the ministry for about 27 years in various Angjican Doioceses as Priest, Canon, Archdeacon and Dean until his election from St. Matthew Cathedral, ijebu Ijesa ( Ijesa North Diocese) on Feb.7th 2019 at the Cathedral Church of St Andrew, Warri,Delta State. He was consecrated at St David”s, Akure on March 29th 2019 where our Primate Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh precided. Our Cathedral was well represented at the consecration service . Our precursor Bishop Olumakaiye and Prof. Mrs Olumakaiye were conspicuously present at Akure and Otan representatively. The Rt. Rev. E. Akorede Okuyelu JP is worth waiting for as God own choice to succeed Bishop Olumakaiye. He is spirit led , powerful preacher and motivator, highly educated ( Dip. RS , Dip.Th, B.A(Hons), M.A (Ibadan), Phd in view. He led the Mattin service on April 7th 2019 at his Cathedral as his first service. He Preached and precided over the Holy Eucharist on April 27th 2019 in his Cathedral on Easter day, he thereafter met with the Cathedral sons and daughters who came home for Easter festival on 22nd April, 2019. His first Episcopal visitate to his Cathedral was on 25th of April 2019.

120 YEARS JUBILLE CELEBRATION (1900 – 2020):

Finally, a well membership meeting held on Dec. 24th 2016 elected Chief J.A.O Eboda chairman of a sixteen member committee to work on the modus operandi. A four years programme 2017 – 2020 was drawn up and widely circulated hoping to raise a minimum of 25million annualy towards raising 100million endowment and mission fund. In order to achieve this goal members at home and abroad were appointed across the country. 1. Lagos - 9Members 2. Abuja - 6 Members 3. Ibadan - 6 Members 4. Osogbo - 6 Members 5. Ilesha/Ife - 2 Members 6. UK - 5 Members 7. USA/Canada - 7 Members In conclusion, we think that the names of some notable Sons and Daughters who played some roles during the creation of the Diocese must be mentioned they include: 1. The Late Chief. J. A .O. Bamgbaye 2. The Late Chief G. A. Fatoye 3. The Late M. A. Popoola 4. The Late AIG Isaac Boladuro & family 5. The Late Otunba Olawale Ogunseye 6. The Late M. O. Ania 7. Chief. J. A. O. Eboda 8. Chief. & Chief Mrs. V.O. Jolaawo 9. Chief. N. O. Alabi 10. Chief. & Chief Mrs E Ayo Akinyemi 11. Chief E. Ade. Aina 12. Chief. Wale Salako 13. Chief. M. A. Oyebanji 14. Mr. S. A. Oyebode 15. Chief Mrs J. E. Eniola jp 16. Mr. P. A. Olayemi 17. Engr. Tayo Fatoye 18. Mr. Yomi Alabi 19. Pastor J.O. Olayemi 20. Chief. Dele Fariyike & family 21. Chief S.A. O. Salako 22. Chief. J. O. Ogundele & Family There are many others Personalities whose contributions in one way or other is worthy of mentioning but the above are few names that came to our mind by the time of writing of this history. We are happy today that the Diocese is Eleven Years old with the Cathedral of St. Philip, Otan Ayegbaju is the Seat of the Bishop. Our prayers is that as the above named have laboured day and night so to see their Agitation successful and the Diocese is growing in the grace of God. God and the Church will surelly remember the dead for their good work and the living to live long to see the Fruit of their Labour in Jesus Name.

Mr. Ademola adeniyi Mr. Segun Ojo. Hon. Yemi Olaojo The Dean”s Warden Cathedral Warden Cathedral Secretary The Ven. Matthew T. Olaleke The Cathedral Dean