Methodist Church Remo Diocese Honours Bishop Ibikunle, Lay President Soname with Grand Valedictory Service

The Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Remo, has celebrated the successful completion of the episcopal tenure of its Bishop, Rt. Rev. Bamidele Ibikunle, alongside the appreciation of its outgoing Lay President, Sir Chief Dr. Akinola Olumakinde Soname, KJW.

The valedictory and send-forth service, held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Rev. Mellor Methodist Cathedral, Agbowa, Sagamu, Ogun State, brought together church leaders, traditional rulers, government officials, family members and well-wishers to honour the two religious leaders for their contributions to the Diocese.

The service, which coincided with All Saints’ Day, was themed “You Shall Be the Head”, drawn from Deuteronomy 28:13.

He particularly appreciated Dr. Samuel C. K. Uche, retired Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria; Sir Engr. and Mrs. ’Lana O. Odutola, former Lay President of the Diocese; and Sir Chief Dr. Akinola Olumakinde Soname, KJW, and his wife, Lady Prof. Olayiwola Soname, for their support during his episcopal ministry.

He also remembered his late wife, Mrs. Margaret Oluseyi Ibikunle, and appreciated his daughter, Opeyemi, alongside other family members and religious leaders who contributed to his journey. Among those acknowledged were Rt. Rev. Isaac and Evangelist Mrs. Margaret Olubowale, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Ekiti-Oke; Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph A. F. and Mrs. Bolajoko Olusola; Apostle and Mrs. O. Joseph Awoloye; and Sir Emmanuel and Lady Ebunoluwa Olugbenga Aleminu.

The occasion also recognised the six-year service of Sir Chief Dr. Akinola Olumakinde Soname, KJW, who served as Lay President from November 2020 to November 2026. His contributions and support towards the growth and smooth administration of the Diocese were acknowledged.

The Bishop further congratulated Sir Teju Ogunjimi on his election as the new Lay President of the Diocese of Remo, while appreciating Lady Ibidun Ogunjimi for her love, care and support for his episcopal ministry and well-being.

Dignitaries present at the service included the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Hon. Ayoola Elegbeji; the Alaye Aba of Aba, Ijebu-Aiyepe, Oba Michael Kolawale Adekoye; and Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Oladimeji Oresanya, among other distinguished guests.

As a mark of appreciation, the Diocese presented the outgoing Bishop with a 2009 Toyota Highlander. The ceremony marked the close of an important chapter in the leadership of the Diocese of Remo, as members, colleagues and well-wishers celebrated Bishop Ibikunle’s years of service and wished him success in his new assignment in Lagos.

The valedictory service was not only an occasion to celebrate the completion of two leadership tenures but also an opportunity to acknowledge dedication, service, fellowship and the importance of continuity in the church.

As Bishop Ibikunle and Sir Chief Dr. Soname conclude their respective tenures, the Diocese looks forward to a new chapter under its incoming leadership, with prayers and goodwill for continued growth and progress.