Founding Collection
Archbishop Felix Alaba Job
A Life of Faith, a Legacy of Sacred Artefacts
The Collection That Started It All
The Felix Alaba Job Legacy Collection is the heart of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan Heritage & Legacy Portal. Assembled over more than five decades by Archbishop Felix Alaba Job, this extraordinary collection comprises sacred vestments, liturgical vessels, chalices, patens, devotional art, furniture, and personal memorabilia that together tell the story of a life wholly dedicated to God and His Church.
Each piece in this collection carries its own history — from intricately embroidered vestments worn during papal audiences in Rome, to chalices gifted by grateful parishioners on milestone anniversaries. The collection is not merely an assemblage of objects; it is a living archive of the Catholic faith in Western Nigeria, preserving the material culture of a Church that has grown from missionary outpost to thriving metropolitan archdiocese.
As the founding collection of the Heritage & Legacy Portal, it serves as the cornerstone upon which the broader archival mission of the Archdiocese of Ibadan is built.
A Shepherd's Journey
Early Life & Formation
Born into a devout Catholic family, Archbishop Felix Alaba Job entered the seminary at a young age, demonstrating an early calling to the priesthood. His theological formation took him through Nigeria and Rome, where he was ordained and later consecrated as bishop at the Propaganda College in February 1971.
Episcopal Leadership
As bishop and later archbishop, he provided visionary leadership during a period of tremendous growth for the Church in Ibadan. He oversaw the expansion of parishes, schools, and healthcare institutions, and was instrumental in the establishment of the Pastoral Institute in Bodija.
Notable Milestones
He participated in the Great Jubilee 2000 in Rome, had an audience with St. Pope John Paul II at the University of Ibadan in 1982, and attended the Serra Conference in 1994. Each of these events is commemorated within the collection.
A Lasting Legacy
Upon his retirement in 2013, Archbishop Job left behind not only a transformed archdiocese but also a meticulously preserved collection of sacred artefacts that now forms the foundation of the Heritage & Legacy Portal's archival mission.
Treasures of Sacred Heritage
Sacred Vestments
Hand-embroidered chasubles, copes, and stoles worn at papal audiences and solemn liturgical celebrations.
Liturgical Vessels
Chalices, patens, ciboria, and monstrances crafted in precious metals, many gifted at jubilee celebrations.
Devotional Art
Religious paintings, statues, furniture, and commemorative plaques that capture the spiritual life of the archdiocese.
Visit the Collection
Artefacts from the Felix Alaba Job Legacy Collection are available for museum acquisition through our online bidding platform. Contact the curatorial office for provenance documentation and condition reports.