At a recent book launch held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMCC) in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, the immense contributions of the late pioneer Bishop of Lagos West Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Rt Rev’d Peter Awelewa Adebiyi, were fondly recalled by dignitaries. Bishop Adebiyi passed away on February 10, 2022, at the age of 79.
Dignitaries Pay Tribute
The event, which featured the presentation of a book titled My name is Peter, was chaired by Chief Olusegun Osunkeye. Other notable attendees included the Bishop of Lagos West, The Rt Rev’d James Odedeji; Co-host and Bishop of the Diocese of Owo, The Rt. Rev’d Stephen Fagbemi; former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Bishop of the Diocese of Ilesa, The Rt. Rev’d Dapo Asaju; and Adebiyi’s first daughter, Ronke Fatile.
Chief Osunkeye's Remarks
Chief Osunkeye, who worked closely with the late Bishop, recounted how Bishop Adebiyi appointed him as Diocesan adviser from the beginning. He noted, "He gave me two major assignments. I was the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) when the Diocese of Lagos West in conjunction with Diocese of Lagos hosted the first Anglican Bishops’ Conference in November 2004. He appointed me deputy chairman with the mandate to coordinate all matters. He also appointed me as the chairman of the 10th anniversary planning committee, which was set up in March 2008."
Bishop Odedeji's Tribute
The chief host and Bishop of Lagos West, Odedeji, emphasized that Baba Adebiyi’s counsel reminded everyone that God’s plan could be achieved in a wonderful way when combined with grace and perseverance. He disclosed that the late Bishop’s impact was not only felt in Owo, where he first began his priesthood vocation, but also in Lagos West. Describing his predecessor as a priest who shepherded God’s people, Odedeji said, "From his family to education, despite financial challenges his life reflected a lesson that God can turn hardship into a great leader. He was a leader with the dream of building of God’s church through discipleship, education and community service. His episcopacy saw a focus on church planting, training of priests and the establishment of a Diocese that will flourish and grow. Despite his retirement in 2013, and his passing on to glory in 2022, he left an enduring legacy to the extent that the people he trained, the churches he planted and the countless lives he encouraged cannot forget him in a hurry."
Odedeji, who succeeded the late Bishop, noted that Bishop Adebiyi’s life taught them how to follow Christ. "Bishop Adebiyi’s life taught us to follow Christ in simple ways in our daily prayers, in the songs we sing, mentoring of young priests and willingness to answer God’s call. Today is a time to reflect on the book. It will challenge us to ask what is 'my name in the eyes of God; what talent has God given to me and how can I share to serve others and God’s kingdom.' Baba Adebiyi’s life demonstrated that it is not just the title, but integrity of the character and the love shown to us. He lives on in the Dioceses of Lagos West and the churches he nurtured."
Dr Kayode Fayemi's Contribution
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, noted that Baba Adebiyi was proud of his roots in Ekiti State. Recounting his experience, Fayemi said, "When I was the governor, he was always coming to Ekiti. He compelled me to construct a road then. We felt it was important to do it in his honour. He never stopped serving God and being good to all manner of people. We are proud of the service he rendered to the church. What is important to me is what will be said about us when we are no longer here." Fayemi assured that he would also support the foundation established in his honour.
Book Publisher and Reviewer
Publisher of the book, Dare Babarinsa, disclosed that the book is a complete story of Bishop Adebiyi. The book reviewer, Bishop of the Diocese of Ilesa, The Rt Rev’d Dapo Asaju, said he was privileged to be Baba Adebiyi’s Head of Department (HOD) at Lagos State University (LASU) where he lectured. According to him, the book would keep Baba Adebiyi alive in the ministry even after his passing. Asaju said, "Even in death, he still has a voice. The book taught leadership with integrity. He had everything the church has to offer. He went through every rank in the church. He was very courageous, spoke truth to power and was actively involved in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)."
Family Foundation
Bishop Adebiyi’s first daughter, Ronke Fatile, speaking on Adebiyi’s foundation, said it was based on the vision that her father had before his retirement, adding that the main focus is training of priests and support for clergy widows.
