Rev. Fr. Gabriel Azeez & Jacob BABALOLA

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel 'Leke Abegunrin has urged Catholic faithful to always remember that the Catholic Church is Greater than any individual. The Archbishop stated this during his reflection at the opening Mass for the 2026 First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Province holding at Jubilee Conference Centre, by St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oke Ado, Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday 20th January, 2026.

Addressing and welcoming the gathering that was made up of Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Religious and Lay faithful from the province, the Archbishop admonished all to always listen to those leading them, Bishops, Priests, Catechists etc. He thanked all for coming to join the Province’s Bishops to pray with them as they deliberate on the progress of the Church in the Province.

"Always remember that the Church is Greater than any individual. If you don't understand the Church, you can't follow the Church very well." His Grace said.

The Chief Celebrant at the Mass recalled the recent inauguration of the new executives for the youth in the Archdiocese and his words of advice to the youth to try and know their Church and worship very well and thus encouraged that youth in the province should equally be encouraged to stand from firm in the faith.

His Grace pointed out too, that there are some that back-up lies, errors etc but warned that such should not be in the Church; rather, all should call a spade a spade in the Church. He frowned at some that are always lords of all, not ready to listen to correction and encouraged that such should not be in the Church.

The Archbishop equally condemned the attitude of some, who treat people as if to say they are nothing. He admonished that humility, love and openness to one another should be the key words, like Christ who came in humble way, suffered in humble way but was hailed after His resurrection.

He therefore urged all to pray that Holy Spirit guides and directs all to be able to have humility to listen to one another in the Church.

The second session was meeting that started with the Bishops’ meeting and the general meeting, where all lay organizations in the province gave their reports and suggestions and recommendations given as deemed fit.

A communique was issued at the end likewise a Press Conference addressed by the Chairman of the Bishops’ Conference in the Province, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin alongside the Bishop of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, who read the communique as well as the Director of Social Communications in the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ogunyale.

Archbishop Abegunrin appreciated the Media people for their presence and patience,