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To the glory of God, the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev John Akin Oyejola, on behalf of the entire Catholic community of Osogbo Diocese, announces the death of Rt Rev Msgr Nicholas Bamidele Okesola. Msgr Okesola died at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Hospital, Jaleyemi, Osogbo, on Monday 10th January 2022.

Baba Okesola, as fondly called by many, was born into the Okesola family on 14th October 1936. He started his elementary education at Anglican School Kiloru in Idominasi in the year 1946. During his second year in the school, the young Bamidele joined his father to relocate to Ile-Ife in 1947, assisting in the family trade. During this period, he was an apprentice in automobile mechanic and panel beating. He however returned to school in 1957 and completed his elementary education in St Bernard (RCM), Ile Ife in 1961.

Msgr Okesola started his journey to the sacred priesthood by enrolling and being admitted to St Theresa minor Seminary Oke Are, Ibadan in 1961 and later proceeded to SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan where he completed his priestly training and was ordained in 1973 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Lagere Ile Ife by Most Rev Julius Babatunde Adelakun. The Holy Father, Pope Francis conferred on him the honour of a Monsignor and was vested on March 17, 2019.

During his 48 years of priestly service, Baba Okesola worked in many parishes in both Osogbo and Oyo dioceses among which are: The Church of Assumption Parish, Asogo, Oyo; St Benedict Cathedral Osogbo; St Mary Pro Cathedral ilesa; St John the Baptist Iseyin, CKC Oloruntedo, Ilesa. Baba was resident in SS Peter and Paul Pro Cathedral, Ile Ife till his death after a brief illness.

May the soul of Msgr Okesola and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Fr Anthony Omodunbi
Director,
Social Communications Commission, Osogbo Diocese.