The Archbishop of Ibadan Catholic Diocese, Alaba Job, is set to retire from service after 43 years.
His successor, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin, would be installed on Jan. 24.
Rev. Fr. Felix Ethapemi, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee for the installation of Abegunrin, disclosed this on Thursday at a news conference held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Oke-Padre, Ibadan,
He said that having attained the canonical retirement age of 75 years on Oct. 29, 2013, Job had applied to Pope Francis 1 for retirement.
The Pope, he added, had approved his application and appointed Abegunrin to succeed him.
Ethapemi said that Abegunrin would retain his administrative duties as Bishop of Osogbo Diocese until a new bishop was appointed.
He also said that adequate security had been put in place for the installation, adding that a representative of the pope would attend the ceremony.
Ethapemi also said the representative of the pope would pay a courtesy visit to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State.
He appealed to Catholics and well meaning individuals to pray for the retiring bishop and his successor, saying that the task before them was enormous.