Anglican Diocese of Sapele Resists Alleged Attempt by Bishop Erifeta to Reclaim See ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Daniel Okunarigho

What was expected to be a peaceful Sunday service at the Cathedral Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, along Boyo Road, Sapele, was briefly disrupted following an alleged attempt by Bishop Erifeta to reassume leadership of the Diocese, nearly a decade after his exit.

Eyewitnesses said the church service was ongoing smoothly when Bishop Erifeta arrived at the cathedral premises accompanied by members of his entourage and security personnel. 

His presence reportedly sparked tension as he attempted to join the service with the intention of resuming his former role as the substantive Bishop of the Diocese.

However, the move was strongly resisted by members of the congregation, who openly opposed his return, insisting that they no longer recognize his leadership.

Some church members who spoke to journalists alleged that a letter, purportedly from the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), had been circulated last month, indicating that Bishop Erifeta was to resume duties in the Diocese. 

They claimed this development followed his alleged removal on January 18, 2016, over various allegations leveled against him.

During the service, women members of the church staged a peaceful protest, carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “No to embezzlement of our funds,” “We do not want Erifeta back again,” “Enough of underdevelopment in Sapele Diocese,” “Erifeta, go away,” and “Primate, translate Erifeta to another Diocese.”

Speaking separately at the church premises, Evangelist Akuroma Otuike, a former People’s Warden of All Saints’ Church, Sapele; Rev. Gabriel Enudje; and Pastor Freeborn Ejowovwo of Irhodo Anglican Church, Jesse, said members of the Diocese would resist what they described as any attempt to impose Bishop Erifeta on them.

They alleged that the Diocese suffered significant setbacks during Bishop Erifeta’s previous tenure, adding that progress and stability were only restored through the collective efforts of what they referred to as the “Rescue Group of Churches.”

According to them, the Diocese has witnessed unprecedented development since his departure, including improved welfare for clergy and church workers, timely payment of salaries and allowances, and structured promotions based on merit.

Evangelist Otuike further alleged that assessment funds were previously mismanaged, but noted that accountability and transparency have since returned to the Diocese.

The clerics invited concerned members of the public to visit the cathedral and other churches under the Rescue Group to witness the level of infrastructural development, which they contrasted with conditions they said prevailed under Bishop Erifeta’s leadership.

Rev. Enudje recalled that during Bishop Erifeta’s tenure, the cathedral building was in poor condition, with damaged roofing and unfinished flooring. 

He noted that after his exit, the church was renovated, with the floor tarred and the surroundings beautified.

The church leaders appealed to the Primate of the Anglican Communion to consider redeploying Bishop Erifeta to another Diocese in the interest of peace, and also called on the Delta State Government and well-meaning Deltans to intervene.

Bishop Erifeta and members of his delegation reportedly left the scene alongside security personnel. 

Some sources alleged that he vowed to pursue further steps toward reclaiming the Diocese.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by the Anglican Communion authorities regarding the incident.