By Desire Emmanuel
Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has ordered the suspension of various officials at the St Luke Cathedral, Sapele, Delta State, including Venerables, Canons, Reverends and others.
He has also ordered the dissolution of various committees and groups in the church over a lingering crisis that has spanned over 10 years and act of insubordination exhibited in the church.
According to a statement by the Director of Communication of the Church of Nigeria, Venerable Raphael Aderinwale, on Tuesday, January 27, these actions by the Primate are sequel to the exhibition of insubordination and refusal of some members and officers to adhere to the authority and directives of the Primate, despite repeated efforts to broker peace for over a decade since the crises began.
The statement said in order to ensure order is restored into the church, various measures had been put in place and they include the following:
1. The Standing Committee of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Sapele, is hereby dissolved. In addition, all executive committees of church groups-including the Christian Men Fellowship (CMF), Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF), Women Organisations, and all other arms of the church-are dissolved and disbanded. The then Sapele Special Archdeaconry (Rescue Group) remains dissolved.
2. Pending the outcome of a duly constituted disciplinary panel, the underlisted clergymen are hereby suspended and relieved of their offices and responsibilities within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion):
– Ven Clement Esimaje Oburoh
– Ven Benson Ovumedia
– Ven Onorien Arawore
– Rev Canon Peter Adams
– Rev Jonah Enudje
– Rev Israel Ohworanovwee
– Rev Andrew Idimi.
– Rev. Emmanuel I. Omozue
3. Similarly, pending the outcome of an investigative panel, the following lay persons are suspended and relieved of their duties:
– Sir Ejiro Newton Omoko
– Sir Prince Sunny Omatseye
– Mr Sunday O. Akpobasah
– Evang. Godwin O. Akunoma
– Chief Wilson Okporua
– Comrade Regina Ororo
– Evang. Michael L. Atarhe
– Mr. Oghenero Onojorhoevwo
– Mrs Rhoda Asagba
– Engr Yomi Akinlosotu.
– Engr Olusegun Adenigba
– Mrs Pamela Joy Okoro
– Christopher Akunoma
– Mrs. Vivian Oyibo
– Mrs. Dora Oyibo
All suspended persons have been directed to immediately hand over all church documents, records, and properties in their possession to the appropriate church authority, under the supervision of the newly appointed Vicar, Reverend Canon Francis Onoshefe.
4. To ensure stability, continuity, and orderliness in the cathedral, a transition committee is hereby constituted with immediate effect as follows:
1. The Rev Canon Francis Onoshefe: Vicar
2. Sir Chief Peter Garbot Adjekpiyede
3. Evang John Agofure
4. Chief Mrs Eguono Temiagin
5. Mrs Patience Onah
6. Mr Churchill Oki
The Primate urged members of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Sapele, to cooperate fully with the new Vicar and the Transition Committee, and commits the church to prayer as all work together for peace, order, and to the glory of God.
