Biography of The Bishop of the Diocese of New Bussa – The Most Rev. Israel Afolabi Amoo

Olafare Michael Oluwabukola
June 9, 2025
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The Most Rev. Israel Afolabi Amoo, a highly respected prelate in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), was born on December 10, 1956, in Omupo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. He hails from the family of Pa Gabriel Adewuyi and Mama Abigail Abegbe Amoo of Ile Asejire Compound, Omupo—both of blessed memory.

Education and Legal Formation

His early education began at St. Michael’s Primary School, Omupo (1963–1969), followed by Omupo Grammar School, where he was part of the fourth graduating set (1970–1974). After earning his West African School Certificate, he proceeded to the Kwara State College of Technology (now Kwara State Polytechnic) for his A-Level studies, which he completed in 1977.

In the same year, he gained admission to the University of Lagos to study Law (1977–1980). Upon graduation, he attended the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and was called to the Bar in 1981, enrolling at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Early Service and Legal Career

Between 1981 and 1982, during his National Youth Service, he served as the Travelling Secretary of the Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS) in Borno State. His role took him across what are now six states: Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, and Gombe.

After NYSC, he began his law practice, establishing his firm—Afolabi Amoo & Company—where he served as Principal Partner until his election as Bishop in 2007. His legal excellence also saw him serve as Chairman of the Kwara State Local Government Election Tribunal in 1992.

Leadership Roles and Government Service

Archbishop Amoo’s commitment to Christian service and public good was evident in his numerous leadership roles:

Chairman, Kwara State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (2003–2007 and 2011–2015)
Chairman, Kwara State Library Board (2008–2011)
Chairman, Fact-Finding Committee on the Kwara State College of Education, Oro (2006)

Spiritual Calling and Ecclesiastical Journey

His formal journey into ministry began in 1984 when he was licensed as a Diocesan Lay Reader by the late Bishop Herbert Haruna of the then Kwara Diocese, which spanned Kwara, Kogi, and parts of Niger State. He was ordained Deacon in 1988 and priested in 1989 by the same bishop.

He proceeded to Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan (1989–1991) to deepen his theological training. Over the years, he served in several parishes within the Diocese of Kwara:

Mount Olives Chapel, Ilorin (1988–1991; again from 1998–2002)
St. James Church, Gaa-Imam, Ilorin (1991–1994)
All Souls Church, Fate, Ilorin (1994–1998)

In 2002, he was elected Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Michael, Esie, where he served until 2007.

Episcopal and Archiepiscopal Ministry

In 2007, he was elected as the Pioneer Bishop of the Diocese of New Bussa, which spans parts of Kwara, Niger States, and the Republic of Benin. His leadership in this frontier diocese laid strong foundations for spiritual and structural growth.

In September 2018, Archbishop Amoo was elected Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Kwara, which comprises dioceses in Kwara, parts of Niger State, and areas of the Republic of Benin. His election was a historic milestone, especially as he became:

The first indigene of Omupo to become a lawyer
The first legal practitioner ordained as a priest and later elected bishop in the Church of Nigeria
The first Igbomina man and Omupo indigene elected as Bishop
The first Kwara State indigene to serve as an Archbishop in the Church of Nigeria

Community Engagement and Personal Life

Archbishop Amoo has been actively involved in his community. He served as Vice Chairman of the Omupo Descendants Union, Ilorin Branch, and remains a committed advocate for spiritual and social transformation in Kwara State and beyond.

He is married to Mrs. Alice Adepeju Amoo, his beloved partner in life and ministry. Their union, spanning over 40 years, has been a source of joy, stability, and divine favor. They are blessed with four biological children, grandchildren, and numerous adopted children who have benefitted from their love and mentorship.