- commends priests, clergy, laity of Osogbo diocese
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese,Most Revd Akinwumi Oyejola, has warned that voter apathy remains one of the major factors enabling electoral malpractice, cautioning that failure by citizens to participate actively in elections creates room for manipulation of the process.
He therefore called on Catholics and other Christians to come out en masse to vote in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, as well as the 2027 general elections, stressing that civic responsibility is critical to the emergence of credible and accountable leadership.
Speaking during the 2026 Chrism Mass held at St. Benedict Catholic Cathedral, the Bishop said non-participation in elections empowers unscrupulous politicians to undermine the will of the people.
“If you fail to vote, you give room for politicians to rig elections. But if you come out to vote, manipulation becomes difficult. Even when they attempt it, it will not significantly affect the overall result. Please come out and vote for candidates of your choice,” he urged.
Bishop Oyejola maintained that citizens who refuse to participate in the electoral process lack the moral justification to criticize election outcomes, noting that active voter turnout remains the most effective way to curb irregularities.
“Participation in elections remains the most effective way to reduce manipulation that has plagued our electoral system over the years,” he said.
The Bishop, who expressed satisfaction with the large turnout of faithful from across the diocese, described the Chrism Mass as a powerful symbol of unity between the clergy and the laity.
He commended priests, religious sisters, and lay faithful for their unwavering dedication to the growth and development of the Church.
He emphasized the importance of continuous faith formation, highlighting various programmes aimed at deepening the understanding of Catholic teachings and traditions.
The clergyman also encouraged parishioners to actively participate in church societies and organizations, noting that such involvement strengthens spiritual growth, unity, and a sense of belonging within the Church community.
The Bishop further praised the choir for their melodious renditions, which he said added beauty, reverence, and solemnity to the liturgical celebration.
Addressing family life, he urged parents to be more attentive to their children, stressing that beyond providing material needs, they must listen, guide, and nurture them in the fear of God.
According to him, effective communication is essential in raising responsible and morally upright individuals.
On broader Church responsibilities, Bishop Oyejola appealed to priests to remain committed to financial contributions in support of persecuted Christians in the Middle East, describing the initiative as a strong expression of solidarity and shared faith.
He also announced that the Osogbo Diocese will host bishops from across the country in September for the meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, which is expected to last ten days and deliberate on critical issues affecting both the Church and the nation.
The Chrism Mass, one of the most significant liturgical celebrations in the Catholic Church, witnessed a large turnout of clergy, religious, and lay faithful, reflecting the vibrancy of the diocese.
The Mass commemorates the institution of the priesthood and the Holy Eucharist and features the blessing of sacred oils—the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism used throughout the liturgical year.
In his homily Rev father Felix Olaniyan, drawing from the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8–11), urged both priests and the faithful to remain steadfast in prayer regardless of life’s circumstances.
He described prayer as the anchor of Christian life and ministry.
He further described the priest as Alter Christus—meaning “another Christ”—and called on priests to live lives of sacrifice, humility, and service, acting as true spiritual fathers to their congregations.
A major highlight of the celebration was the renewal of priestly promises, symbolizing the enduring commitment of priests to their sacred duties and service to God and humanity.
The ceremony ended on a reflective and inspiring note, with a renewed call for both spiritual devotion and civic responsibility.
Bishop Oyejola’s message resonated clearly: while prayer sustains faith, active participation in civic duties especially voting remains essential to building a just, transparent, and credible society.
