Just In: Bishop Peter Awelewa Adebiyi Joins The Saint Triumphant

The pioneer Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion; The Rt Revd Dr Peter Awelewa Adebiyi has gone to be with the Lord.

He died 10:15pm on Thursday, February 10, 2022, after a brief  illness.

The family announced the demise in a statement signed by Mr Adeboye Adebiyi.

Adebiyi was bishop of Lagos West Anglican Diocese until 2013 when he retired having clocked the mandatory 70 years retirement age.

Born on April 27, 1943, to Chief  Samuel Ogunmola and Madam Alice Fatinuwe Adebiyi(of blessed memory) both from Osi-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

He was made deacon in 1970 and priested in 1971.

He lectured in the University for many years before his call to the ordained ministry. He started his career as a priest at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ilawe Ekiti.

He was preferred a canon in 1983 and was the vicar of Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, Ikeja between 1987 and May 1993.

He was collated an archdeacon in 1990 and consecrated Bishop of Owo Diocese on May 26, 1993.

In 1999, Bishop Peter Awelewa Adebiyi was translated to oversee  the Diocese of Lagos West.

As Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, he made great impact building the diocese from the scratch. He worked tirelessly to a build and transform the Diocese into an enviable and formidable institution.

During his tenure, the Diocese hosted all Bishops in Africa at an event known as African Anglican Bishops Conference in November 2004. He also carried out many strategic projects and reforms in the diocese. His pioneering  efforts were indeed legendary and unmatched.

Before his retirement, Bishop Adebiyi, through his evangelical activities,  church planting and youth development programmes made the Diocese of Lagos West a leading diocese in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion which was the vision and mission of the church. This earned him the name ” Peter the church planter”

He was greatly burdened by the socio-political challenges in the country and was actively involved with progressive forces to enthrone democracy and good governance. He contributed immensely to the development of his home town; Osi Ekiti which he loved so much. He touched many lives both home and abroad.

He joined the league of those who battled the military in the post June 12 annulment years. This earned him the tag,  “Nadeco Bishop”

He wrote several papers and was a regular face in the media calling government to be sensitive and respond to the critical questions in society.

His amiable and humble wife Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi died on 31st December, 2015.

He was survived by brother, sisters, children and grand children.

Burial arrangements will be announced later by the family.