Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

It was a unique double celebration on Friday 4th September 2026 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, Ibadan as Akerele’s family celebrated the 80th and 40th Birthday Thanksgiving of Pa Gabriel ‘Bayo Akerele and Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Akerele respectively.

The birthday thanksgiving Mass which was graced by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin also had in attendance not less than twenty priests; which included the Administrator of Claverianum Press, Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale; Editor of Catholic Weekly Independent, Rev. Fr. Peter Ibimiluyi; Pastoral Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade; the Archdiocesan Secretary/Parish Priest of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola and Assistant Archdiocesan Secretary, Rev. Frs. Emmanuel Eseola and Anthony Fasakin respectively as well as the Dean of Bodija Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Akinbinu.

Also present were Rev. Srs from different Congregations, representatives of lay organizations in the Archdiocese, Children, Grandchildren, family members of the celebrants, Staff members of Claverianum Press, friends and well-wishers as well as the parishioners of St James Catholic Church, Olorunda Aba and St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Mokola, Ibadan.

The homilist of the day, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade welcomed all to the celebration which he described as a unique double celebrations. He recalled all he knows of Pa Gabriel Akerele in the last thirty years and noted that Pa Gabriel as a Carpenter and father to a priest has done a lot for the Archdiocese.

Fr. Omolade commended Rev. Fr. Joseph Akerele, who is not only a priest but also an Assistant Administrator of Claverianum Press and thanked him for all his efforts in the Archdiocese.

Congratulating both celebrants, Fr. Omolade stated that both have a lot to thank God for; celebrating 80th and 40th birthday, as also observed in the readings for the celebration (Joshua 14:7-10; Ps 138; 1 Cor 1:1-9 & Lk 10:17-24). He prayed that their vocations and all they do bring joy and peace to the family and all those around them.

The homilist challenged the celebrants and everyone present to always think about what they have done for God in terms of winning souls for Him anytime they celebrate birthday. “As we celebrate the Jubilee of St. Francis, who led many to God; how many souls have you led to God?” the cleric enquired.

Fr. Omolade also enjoined the children of Pa Gabriel to take good care of Baba, for it is at old age that he needs care so much.

The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eseola welcomed all to the parish, followed by special birthday thanksgiving by the celebrants; who were joined by all to dance to the altar with joy and were prayed for and blessed by Rev. Fr. Paul Asawale.

One of the Children, who is also the PRO of AICMO, Mr Fredrick Akerele gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the family.

The Archbishop also expressed gratitude to all present as he congratulated the celebrants, Pa Gabriel Akerele and Fr. Joseph Akerele on their 80th and 40th birthday respectively and wished them long life. His Grace charged all to pray for our country to be peaceful, desist from joining bad group, take care of their children and join politics but not engage in evil or violence.

The Chief Celebrant of the thanksgiving Mass, Rev. Fr. Joseph Akerele also added his voice in thanking all present at the celebration, for honouring Akerele family with their presence.

The second part after the Mass was a reception inside the parish hall; where tributes, cutting of cake, presentations of gifts, refreshment and dancing by the celebrants took place.