Fayemi salutes ex-Anglican bishop Awelewa at book presentation
Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has described the pioneer Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, Awelewa Adebiyi, as a distinguished Ekiti indigene who made significant sacrifices for
Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has described the pioneer Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, Awelewa Adebiyi, as a distinguished Ekiti indigene who made significant sacrifices for the advancement of the church and Nigeria.
Fayemi made the remark during the public presentation of the book ‘My Name is Peter’, held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Hall, with prominent Anglican clergy and laity in attendance.
Bishop Adebiyi, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 78, was widely regarded as an influential cleric whose impact extended beyond the church.
Fayemi noted that the late bishop contributed immensely to the development of Ekiti State and remained committed to service despite personal challenges, including surviving an armed robbery attack.
The event also featured the launch of the Bishop Adebiyi Foundation, established to support theological education in Nigeria.
The 320-page biography, authored by veteran journalists Dare Babarinsa and Wola Adeyemo, was reviewed by the Bishop of Ilesa Diocese, Dapo Asaju, who commended the effort to document the late cleric’s legacy.
Participants at the event described Adebiyi as a committed theologian who prioritised the growth of clergy under his leadership, often encouraging them to pursue advanced academic studies.
Chairman of the occasion, Segun Osunkeye, highlighted the late bishop’s role in laying a solid foundation for the Diocese of Lagos West.
In his remarks, the current Bishop of the diocese, James Odedeji, reflected on Adebiyi’s legacy of sacrifice and leadership, noting that sustaining his achievements initially appeared daunting but has been made possible through continued commitment within the diocese.
Also speaking, the Bishop of Owo Diocese, Stephen Ayodeji Akinwale Fagbemi, described Adebiyi as “one of the best bishops in the world,” while Rev. Bunmi Aladegbemi represented him at the event.
The late cleric’s son, Adedayo Adebiyi, shared insights into his father’s passion for education, which he linked to his early struggles accessing Western education.
Asaju emphasised the importance of documentation, noting that Adebiyi’s legacy would endure through the publication, while Mr Toyin Okeowo credited the late bishop with playing a crucial role in sustaining Ajayi Crowther University.
