our Parish priest
Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Abiodun Akinsowon
Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Abiodun Akinsowon is a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos and currently serves as Parish Priest of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Ladipo-Shogunle (Oshodi) and as Dean of the Ikeja Deanery. Ordained in 2007, Fr. Akinsowon has over a decade and a half of parish ministry in the Archdiocese and is widely regarded for his pastoral zeal, clear preaching and commitment to parish formation and community outreach.
Early priestly ministry & formation
Fr. Akinsowon was ordained for the Archdiocese of Lagos on 8 December 2007. Since his ordination he has been appointed to several pastoral roles across the Archdiocese, serving both in parish ministry and deanery leadership. His priestly formation and early assignments prepared him for a ministry that combines sacramental care with a practical focus on catechesis and lay formation.
Pastoral appointments & leadership
During his ministry Fr. Akinsowon has held a number of parish responsibilities. He served in the Ajah area — including time at Our Lady Mother & Queen (Badore, Ajah) — where he was actively involved in parish programmes and local pastoral coordination. More recently he was called to lead St. John the Evangelist, Ladipo-Shogunle (Oshodi), where he now serves as Parish Priest. In addition to his parish work, he has been entrusted with deanery responsibilities and currently serves as Dean, coordinating pastoral activity and mutual support among parishes in the Ikeja Deanery.
Areas of pastoral emphasis
Fr. Akinsowon’s ministry emphasizes faithful celebration of the sacraments, catechesis for adults and children, and strengthening of parish lay ministries. Parishioners and colleagues commonly note his clear homiletic style and practical pastoral guidance—qualities that help him lead parish projects, coordinate ministries and encourage active lay participation. Under his leadership, St. John’s has continued to focus on sacramental life, formation programs, and pastoral outreach to the local community.
Community engagement & communications
Fr. Akinsowon maintains active engagement with parishioners through regular homilies, pastoral letters and parish communications. Parish social channels and bulletins regularly publish his reflections, announcements of parish programs, and calls to service — a sign of his visible presence and the parish’s ongoing life under his care.
Recognitions & service
As Dean and parish priest, Fr. Akinsowon is often called on to support neighbouring parishes, mentor younger priests and represent the local church in diocesan gatherings. His appointment to deanery leadership reflects the Archbishop’s confidence in his pastoral and administrative abilities. (For a formal listing of his ordination and diocesan assignments, refer to the Archdiocese of Lagos priest directory.)
Personal note
Quietly pastoral and approachable, Fr. Akinsowon balances parish administration with a priestly priority for pastoral presence — presiding at Mass, hearing confessions, celebrating baptisms and marriages, and visiting the sick. Parishioners describe him as prayerful, practical, and deeply committed to the spiritual growth of the community he serves.