By Fr Michael Nsikak Umoh
The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, led in Holy Mass by its Chief Shepherd, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, as the Chief Celebrant, bid a final farewell to one of its most dedicated and illustrious priests, Very Rev. Msgr. Philip Adesina Hoteyin, who passed into eternal glory on January 29, 2026. At the Funeral Mass in the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos, on Tuesday 16 February, 2026, Msgr. Bernard Okodua described the late cleric as a “true Catholic priest” whose life was defined by humility, simplicity, and an unwavering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In a homily that was as much a personal confession of friendship as it was a theological reflection, Msgr. Bernard Okodua painted a portrait of a man whose life was a “clear sheet of a commendable priestly life.” In a candid reflection on their long history, he revealed that despite attending the same minor and major seminaries in Ibadan, the two were not initially close.
”We were not enemies and there was no quarrel, but we just didn’t bond together,” Okodua admitted. The turning point came in 1981 at the Ikeja airport, where a chance encounter at the Alitalia check-in counter led to the discovery that both were headed to Rome for further studies.
”It was at the point of picking a taxi in Rome that we discovered we were to live in the same college; Collegio San Pietro,” Msgr. Okodua recalled. “Instinctively, we came together and agreed to support each other. It was almost like a covenant.”
The homilist described Msgr. Hoteyin’s priestly ministry, which spanned over 50 years since his ordination on December 15, 1974, as one of immense pastoral impact and marked by significant administrative milestones.
Some key apostolates and roles where Msgr Hoteyin served, according to the homilist, included his 26 years as the Chaplain of the Marian Shrine, where he transformed the physical and spiritual landscape of the shrine. He was known for spending gruelling hours in the confessional and counselling booth.
Also, as the head of the Lagos Inter-diocesan Tribunal, Msgr. Hoteyin served with integrity and “pastoral sensitivity,” often healing troubled marriages through compassionate counselling, rather than simply hurrying to process annulments. Additionally, Msgr. Hoteyin served as the Archdiocesan and, for over 30 years, as the National Chaplain of the Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, where he distinguished himself as a tireless promoter of these devotions both locally and nationally.
Besides these special assignments, the homilist also noted that the deceased left indelible marks as the Parish Priest at Regina Mundi (Mushin), SS. Peter and Paul (Shomolu), where he founded a school, St. Paul (Ebute-Metta), and St. John the Evangelist (Shogunle).
Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, Msgr. Okodua likened the life of a priest and all Christians, to the Apostles returning to Jesus to give a report of their mission. He challenged the congregation, clergy and laity alike, to reflect on what their own “stewardship report” would look like at the end of their lives.
”If the Master calls us today to come and give a report of our mission… what kind of report shall we present?” Okodua asked. He contrasted two types of reports: the commendable report, characterised by love, mercy, charity, honesty, and selfless service; or the condemnable report, filled with avarice, corruption, vote-buying, oppression of the poor, and dishonesty?
“Msgr. Hoteyin has completed his mission and returned to his divine Master with a clear sheet of a commendable priestly life,” Msgr. Okodua declared. “He will now take his place among the angels and saints.”
Msgr. Hoteyin’s body was received at the entrance of the Cathedral by Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, the Archbishop of Ibadan, while the rite of final commendation was performed by Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, the Bishop of Abeokuta diocese. Also present were Most Rev. John Oyejola, Bishop of Osogbo diocese, Most Rev. Francis Adesina, Bishop of Ijebu Ode diocese, Msgrs. Philip Ogunsakin, Chris Boyo, John Aniagwu, Anthony Obanla, Pascal Nwezeapu, Gabriel Amolegbe, Anthony Erinle, Michael Okodua of Osogbo diocese, priests in their numbers, persons of consecrated life, the lay faithful, as well as the Hoteyin and Kunnuho family members. Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Fadairo, the Episcopal Vicar of Ikeja Region, gave the vote of thanks.
Born on September 8, 1944, in Ajilete, Msgr. Philip Hoteyin was nurtured in a family of staunch Catholic traditions. He was widely regarded as a “fearless and itinerant preacher,” capable of breaking down complex scriptures into simple, transformative life lessons for the faithful.
”Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
