Biography of The Bishop of the Diocese of Offa – The Rt. Revd. Dr. Olusola Solomon Akanbi

Olafare Michael Oluwabukola
June 10, 2025
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The Rt. Revd. Dr. Olusola Solomon Akanbi was born on June 5, 1966, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A committed clergyman, scholar, and church leader, he currently serves as the Bishop of Offa Diocese in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

Bishop Akanbi began his early education at Emmanuel Anglican Primary School in Awo Ekiti. He proceeded to Loyola College, Ibadan, and later attended Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife, Osun State. His theological journey began at Vining College of Theology, Akure, where he earned a Diploma in Theology. He later obtained a Diploma in Law from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

Committed to continuous academic pursuit, he earned a B.A. (Hons) in Religious Studies from the University of Ilorin and an M.A. in Religious Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. His theological education was further enriched at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, where he earned an M.Phil. in Theological Studies. He later completed his Ph.D. in Science of Religion and Missiology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Ordained a Deacon in 1991 at the Cathedral Church of St. Philip, Ayetoro, Ile-Ife, and a Priest in 1992 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ayegbaju, Ile-Ife, Bishop Akanbi has served in numerous parishes within the Diocese of Ife. His pastoral assignments have included service at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Edunabon; St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Moro; Canon Ogunbanjo Memorial Anglican Church, Mokuro; Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Iloro; St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Iremo; St. John’s Anglican Church, Ilare; and the Cathedral Church of St. Philip, Ayetoro.

He was appointed a Canon in 1997 and an Archdeacon in 1999. Between 2012 and 2014, he served as Sub-Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Philip, Ayetoro, before becoming Dean. In June 2018, he was elected and consecrated as the Bishop of Offa Diocese.

Beyond parish ministry, Bishop Akanbi has contributed significantly to the theological and administrative development of the Church. He has served as a Lecturer at Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan; Director of the Directorate of Evangelism, Diocese of Ife; Rector of the Diocese of Ife Theological/Bible School; and Synod Secretary for the Diocese of Ife.

In addition to his episcopal duties, he is the Coordinating Bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Football Club, using sports as a medium for youth engagement and evangelism.

Bishop Akanbi is married and resides in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.