It was an atmosphere of profound gratitude and spiritual renewal as St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Molete, Ibadan, successfully celebrated its milestone 50th Patronal Anniversary on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
The landmark golden jubilee service, which commenced at 10:00 a.m. at the church auditorium, brought together members of the congregation, regional delegates, foundation families, and high-profile community leaders to honour five decades of impactful ministry, fellowship, and growth within the Molete area.
The historic milestone celebration was presided over by the Diocesan Bishop of the Ibadan South Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Akintunde Popoola, and the church leadership, including the Church’s Vicar, Venerable Olufemi Oyewusi.
The clergy men guided the congregation through powerful sessions of special prayers, thanksgiving, and commemorative activities designed to honor the rich history of the church—which began as a humble college chapel before expanding into a thriving Parish and the current seat of the LUKAN Archdeaconry.
This year’s golden jubilee was anchored on the spiritual theme, “Come in That My House May Be Filled,” drawn from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 14, verse 23.
Delivering a powerful and soul-stirring message centred on the anniversary theme, “Come in That My House May Be Filled,” the Diocesan Bishop of Ibadan South Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Akintunde Popoola charged the congregation to lead lives that reflect true Christian discipleship.
The revered cleric earnestly enjoined the congregants to maintain the fear of the Lord in all their personal and public dealings, emphasising that righteousness remains the bedrock of any thriving spiritual community.
Moving the audience with a passionate evangelical charge, Bishop Popoola call on every member to work assiduously to win more souls for Christ, reminding them that a golden jubilee is not merely a time for historical nostalgia, but a divine launching pad for aggressive soul-winning and church growth.
He stressed that the church must remain an intentional, charismatic powerhouse dedicated to scriptural truths, healing, and community outreach, ensuring that the next fifty years yield an even greater harvest for the Kingdom of God.
Sharing a similar sentiment in an official address, the Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Committee, Honourable Okiki Adebolu, expressed deep humility and gratitude to God for preserving the church through changing times, challenges, and triumphs.
Hon. Adebolu paid glowing tribute to the visionaries, pioneers, past and present clergies, church leaders, and the 35 iconic Foundation Families—including the families of Ven. J.O. Alamu, Pa. F.B. Osungbade, Pa. D.O. Adebolu, and the late Mr. Dokun Okumuyide, among others—whose sacrifices laid the church’s solid foundation.
He also acknowledged the vital contributions of the church’s Sunday school teacher, Evangelist Boladale Abidoye.
Hon. Adebolu appealed to the current generation to passionately support ongoing development projects, ensuring they leave behind a proud legacy for generations yet unborn.
The auspicious event was further dignified by the presence of the former Oyo State First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, who served as the Chairperson of the Occasion. In her remarks, the former First Lady warmly congratulated the leaders and members of St. Luke’s on their golden jubilee, praying that God would continue to uplift the church in its mission to propagate Christianity.
Demonstrating her commitment to the parish’s growth, Mrs. Alao-Akala made generous donations toward the completion of the church’s road project and promised to remain a steadfast supporter of the church’s future activities.
The distinguished Patron of the Day, Engr. Remi Oseni, who currently serves as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and represents the Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency, warmly congratulated the church on its historic golden jubilee milestone.
In his goodwill message, which was delivered at the event, the lawmaker lauded the parish for five decades of unwavering spiritual impact and community service, praying that the Almighty God will continue to use the church as a powerful instrument to serve both God and humanity.
Known for his expansive philanthropic gestures and infrastructure interventions across Oyo State, the lawmaker’s association with the golden jubilee further underscored the high-profile nature of the celebration.
Other dignitaries at the event included Surveyor & Barrister Bisi Adegboye, Prince & Princess Adeyemo, Chief & Mrs. Yemisi Adeaga, Dr. Olatunji, Dr. Abayomi Ojo, Mr. Abimbola Akanji, Mr. Family’s Akinyemi, Mrs. Morenike Tony Esan, Mrs. Joke Ogundiran, Alhaja Adebolu Adanla, Honourable Adegoke Warits Alawuje, and Honourable Ibraheem Olayode Iyiola (Dudu Alubarika), Honourable Kunmi Adeshina, Chairman of Dynamic Movement of Oyo State, among others.
Parish organizers have indicated that this 50th anniversary serves not only as a celebration of endurance but also as a foundational launching pad for renewed community outreach, mentorship, and intentional discipleship training programs designed to make St. Luke’s a continuing beacon of Christ’s love, hope, and prayer in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.