Monday, January 19, 2026 - Protesting members of the Cathedral Church of Nigeria(Anglican Communion) in Sapele, Delta State on Sunday vehemently resisted Bishop Erifeta from resuming leadership as “Substantive Bishop” of the Church.
The protesters disrupted the Sunday Service at the church
along Boyo road.
Members, mostly women carried placards with different
inscriptions saying, “No to embezzlement of our funds,” “We do not want Erifeta
back again,” “Enough is enough of underdevelopment in Sapele Diocese,” “Erifeta
go away,” and “Primate, translate Erifeta to other areas” as chanted solidarity
songs.
The cleric and his entourage, accompanied by security
personnel, had arrived at the church possibly to resume duty when he was
blocked by congregants as they openly rejected the move and vowed not to accept
his return as their “Bishop”.
Some members of the church hinted that a letter was
allegedly issued by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion),
informing them of plans for Bishop Erifeta to resume duties in Sapele last
month.
They explained that this was despite the Bishop’s removal
from office over what they described as various allegations leveled against
him.
A former People’s Warden of All Saints’ Church,
Sapele,Evangelist Akuroma Otuike, Rev. Gabriel Enudje; and Pastor Freeborn
Ejowovwo of Irhodo Anglican Church, Jesse who spoke separately said members of
the Diocese were united in resisting what they described as the imposition of
Bishop Erifeta.
They maintained that the Diocese had suffered severe
setbacks during Bishop Erifeta’s previous tenure and had only experienced
revival and development through the efforts of what they referred to as the
“Rescue Group of Churches” after his exit.
They said the Diocese has witnessed unprecedented
development in recent years, including prompt payment of salaries and
allowances to priests, pastors, and church workers, as well as timely
promotions based on merit.
Evangelist Otuike invited concerned parties to visit the
cathedral and other churches within the Rescue Group to verify the level of
infrastructural development, which he contrasted with conditions in churches
allegedly left neglected under Bishop Erifeta’s leadership.
Rev. Enudje claimed that during Bishop Erifeta’s tenure, the
cathedral was in a dilapidated state, with damaged roofing and unfinished
flooring.
He said significant improvements including tarred floors, walkways, and
landscaping were only carried out after the bishop’s departure.
They appealed to the Primate to redeploy Bishop Erifeta to
another Diocese in the interest of peace, warning that any attempt to force his
return could escalate tensions.
They also urged the Delta State Government and concerned
citizens to intervene.
Bishop Erifeta and his entourage, including the accompanying
security personnel, later left the cathedral.
0 Comments