ACU Honours Archbishop Akinfenwa, Wife with Community Hymn Festival

Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo State, on Sunday held a community hymn singing in honour of the Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa and his wife, Mama Comfort Akinfenwa, at the Cathedral of St. James the Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan.

The event brought together the Ajayi Crowther University Choir, the Ibadan Anglican Diocese Choir, and the Ibadan South Diocese Choir in a celebration marking Archbishop Akinfenwa’s 40 years of priestly ordination, 28 years of episcopal consecration, and three years as Visitor to the university.

The ceremony attracted clergy, worshippers, university officials, and dignitaries from within and outside Ibadan.

Leading ACU’s delegation was the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Afolake Olanbiwonninu; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Olukayode Binuyo; Registrar, Dr. Bode Olofinmuagun; Bursar, Dr. Ayodele Olusanwo; and University Librarian, Dr. Bose Ajiboye.

Also present were Prof. and Prof. Mrs. Adeniyi Osuntogun, members of the university’s Board of Trustees, as well as Mr. Segun Bolarinwa and Barrister Akinrinade of the Governing Council.

Speaking at the event, Archbishop Akinfenwa expressed appreciation to the university management and all guests who attended the programme in honour of him and his wife.

He described Prof. Oduwole as “a woman of grace, an achiever, and an exemplary leader,” praying for continued success for the university management, staff, and students.

In her remarks, Prof. Oduwole described the gathering as a moment of thanksgiving and worship, noting that the hymn festival reflected the university’s commitment to spiritual and intellectual development.

She praised Archbishop Akinfenwa for his leadership and contributions to the Anglican Communion, particularly for supporting the emergence of female leadership within the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor also paid tribute to Mama Comfort Akinfenwa, describing her as a woman dedicated to faith and service.

Delivering an exhortation titled “E Ma Tesiwaju” (Press Forward), drawn from Philippians 3:14, the Bishop of Ilesa South West Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Egbebunmi, encouraged the celebrants to remain steadfast in their service to God and humanity despite challenges.

He described Archbishop and Mama Akinfenwa as committed leaders and also commended the university management for its work at ACU.

The event featured hymn renditions by various choirs, with Archbishop Akinfenwa and his wife also leading the congregation in the hymn, “O Jesus, I Have Promised.”

The programme was jointly organised by Ajayi Crowther University, the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, and the Ibadan South Diocese ahead of Archbishop Akinfenwa’s retirement in the coming weeks.