27/01/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Dissolves Committees, Groups and Suspends Officials at St. Luke’s Cathedral, Sapele
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), His Grace, the Most Revd Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, has approved immediate administrative measures affecting the leadership and governance of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Boyo Road, Sapele in Delta State.
These actions 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.
Consequently, in pursuance of Canon XVI, Subsection 49, and Canon XVII (1–8) of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the following directives are announced with immediate effect;
1. The Cathedral 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 (Rtd)
- 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 are 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, Rev. 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 calls on all 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.
Signed
Ven. Raphael A. Aderinwale
Director of Communication
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
[email protected]
26th January, 2026
