The Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Lagos, Nigeria has been thrown into mourning following the loss of Very Rev. Msgr. Patrick Obayomi who passed on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the age of 69. In a special circular issued Friday, July 19, 2024, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins announced the death and funeral arrangements slated for July 30, and 31.
The Archdiocese disclosed that a 12 noon Requiem Mass will hold on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Sogunle, Oshodi, Lagos after which the body of late Msgr. Obayomi will leave for Lagos Archdiocesan Marian Shrine, Maryland, for Divine Mercy Prayer and praying of the Holy Rosary to be led by the Catholic Women Organisation, Nigeria, Lagos Archdiocese (CWONLA). Furthermore, on same day, there will be three Vigil Masses between 6 p.m and 12 a.m the next day. The funeral Mass is slated for Wednesday, July 31 at Holy Cross Cathedral at 10 a.m. He will be interred immediately after the Mass.
Archbishop Martins in the circular urged the lay faithful to book Masses for the repose of his soul and the consolation of all who mourn. “Let us remember the late Very Msgr. Patrick Yinka Obayomi and his family in our prayers at this time, “he added. The local ordinary also reminded all Priests in the Archdiocese of their obligation to celebrate Masses for the repose of his soul. The late Msgr. Obayomi, fondly addressed as Baba Obas, till his death, was a priest of the Archdiocese of Lagos. He served in several parishes in the Archdiocese, including Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos; Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ibonwon; Ss. Mulumba & David Catholic Church, Lawanson; St. Anne Catholic Church, Itire.
He also served as the Vocations Director, Lagos Archdiocese; Rector, St. Theresa Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan; Dean of Ikeja Deanery; Chaplain, Catholic Women Organization of Nigeria both of the Archdiocese of Lagos (CWONLA) and the Lagos Ecclesiastical Province (LEPCWO). Until his death he was the Parish Priest of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Oshodi, Lagos. Born on May 16, 1955, late Msgr. Obayomi was ordained a Catholic Priest on November 30, 1985 by Archbishop Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, now Archbishop Emeritus, Anthony Cardinal Okogie of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos.
A native of Abeokuta North Ogun State; Very Rev. Msgr. Obayomi had his early childhood upbringing at Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Mushin in Lagos. After his primary education between 1963 and 1968, he then proceeded to St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary, Oke-Are, Ibadan, Oyo State for his West African School Certificate in 1973 and 1978. He was awarded Diploma Philosophy in Religious Studies having completed his training at Ss. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan, and the University of Ibadan, all in Oyo State, 1978 and 1981.
Between 1981 and 1985, Very Rev. Fr. Obayomi studied Theology, and obtained Bachelor of Divinity in the same institution. He also attended the Pontificia Universitas, Ubaniana, in Roma. The Papal Honouree worked in different Parishes between 1985 and 1989 after his ordination. Late Very Rev. Msgr. Obayomi also held administrative assignments, as Dean, Chaplain, Consultor, Committee member, Director and a host of other positions. His long and varied service record, includes significant contributions to the Church and education:
• Director of Vocations, 1986- 1996 and from 2007 to 2013;
• Archdiocesan Liturgical Functionaries/Master of Ceremonies, 1985-1988;
• Manager, St. Theresa’s Nursery & Primary School, Epe, Lagos between 1989 and 1990;
• Manager, St. Peter’s Catholic Private School, Olomore, Abeokuta, Ogun State,1993 to 1996;
• Chairman, Board of Governors, Marjos International Schools, Idi-Araba, Lagos, 2008 till his death;
• Hospital Administrator, Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, 1993- 1995;
• Officiating Chaplaincy to the forces in the Army, 31 Field Artilery Regiment, Epe, and 32 Field Artilery Brigade, Abeokuta, 1988-1990 and 1991-1996.
To cap it all, the Msgr. , has also worked in other capacities as member, Archdiocesan Council of Priests, 2009-2012; Spiritual Director, Archdiocesan Pages of Blessed Sacrament; Chaplain, Serra Club.
Very Rev. Msgr. Patrick ‘Yinka Obayomi, the Priest Administrator will be remembered as a dedicated, brilliant and astute cleric.
