In April 1953, a significant milestone was recorded in the ecclesiastical history of Ijebu-Igbo with the formal inauguration of the Ijebu-Igbo Provincial District Church Council of the Anglican Communion. The event reflected the steady growth and organisational maturity of Anglican Christianity in the Ijebu area during Nigeria’s late colonial period.
The inauguration ceremony took place under the supervision of the Anglican hierarchy and was officiated by Bishop A. W. Howells, a key figure in the Anglican Church in Nigeria at the time. Reverend P. A. A. Orebanjo, the Vicar of St. James’ Church, Ojowo and Atikori, was appointed as the first Chairman of the newly established council. His appointment underscored his influence and leadership within the Anglican community of Ijebu-Igbo.
Adding traditional authority and local prestige to the occasion was the presence of the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Joel Adeboye, who graced the ceremony. The attendance of the monarch highlighted the close relationship between indigenous leadership structures and Christian institutions in mid-20th-century Yorubaland. Such collaborations were common during this era, as churches played growing roles in education, social organisation, and moral leadership.
The creation of the Provincial District Church Council was intended to strengthen administrative coordination, promote unity among congregations, and support the expansion of Anglican worship and activities in Ijebu-Igbo and its environs. However, despite this initial spirit of unity, disagreements later emerged within the congregation.
A major dispute arose over the location of the church vicarage, leading to a significant division within the Anglican community. As a result, the original congregation eventually split into two separate parishes:
St. James’ Anglican Church, Atikori
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Ojowo
This split illustrates how administrative and logistical issues, even within faith communities, could reshape religious institutions and local church geography. Despite the division, both parishes went on to play important roles in sustaining Anglican worship and community life in Ijebu-Igbo.
Today, the 1953 inauguration stands as an important historical moment, reflecting the evolution of Anglican structures in southwestern Nigeria and offering insight into how faith, leadership, and local politics intersected during the colonial era.
Source: Daily Times, Wednesday, April 22, 1953
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