The new Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Ojeleke Abegunrin was installed yesterday in a ceremony witnessed by dignitaries from every part of the country, following the retirement of Archbishop Emeritus Felix Alaba Job, who was in-charge of the Archdiocese for 43 years.

 The ceremony was overseen on behalf of Pope Francis II, by the Apostolic Nuncio, Augustine Kasujja, also an Archbishop, at the SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan.

Archbishop Kasujja said the concluding leg of Archbishop Abegunrin’s traditional installation as Archbishop, which is the investiture with the Pallium, would be performed by the Pope himself in Rome in June.

While delivering the homily, the Bishop Emeritus of Ekiti, Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael Fagun, congratulated the new Archbishop and charged him to see the position as a new and bigger challenge.

Bishop Emeritus Fagun asked the Archbishop to be careful in dealing with politicians and the rich.

“The job you are taking up today is one that demands tolerance and acceptance of everyone, irrespective of who they are but you must exercise caution in dealing with politicians and the wealthy in the society,” he said.

He described Archbishop Emeritus Job as a great man who had accomplished a lot for God and the church and thanked him for his selfless and dedicated service in Ibadan in the past 43 years.

Those at the event included Governors Abiola Ajimobi and Kayode Fayemi of Oyo and Ekiti States respectively; Iyiola Omisore, former Senator; traditional rulers, businessmen, and other eminent personalities across all walks of life, coupled with 43 Catholic Bishops and over 100 Catholic Priests.