The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has dissolved all standing and executive committees and suspended several clergy and lay leaders over the prolonged internal crisis at St Luke's Cathedral Church.
The decision, approved by the primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Dr Henry C. Ndukuba, takes immediate effect and is aimed at restoring peace, order and proper governance at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Sapele, Delta State.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the director of Communication, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Ven. Raphael A. Aderinwale, the measures followed what the church described as acts of insubordination and persistent refusal by some members and officers to submit to the authority and directives of the primate, despite sustained efforts over more than a decade to resolve the crisis.
Aderinwale said the primate has called on all members of St. Luke's Cathedral, Sapele, to cooperate fully with the new Vicar and Transition Committee, while committing the church to prayers as efforts continue to restore peace, order, and unity to the glory of God.
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The statement said the actions were taken in line with Canon XVI, Subsection 49, and Canon XVII (1-8) of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria.
As part of the directives, the Cathedral Standing Committee of St. Luke's Cathedral has been dissolved.
Similarly, all executive committees of church groups--including the Christian Men Fellowship (CMF), Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF), Women's Organisations, and other church arms have been disbanded. The former Sapele Special Archdeaconry (Rescue Group) remains dissolved.
In addition, eight clergymen have been suspended from office pending the outcome of a duly constituted disciplinary panel.
They include Ven. Clement Esimaje Oburoh (Rtd), Ven. Benson Ovumedia, Ven. Onorien Arawore, Rev. Canon Peter Adams, Rev. Jonah Enudje, Rev. Israel Ohworanovwee, Rev. Andrew Idimi, and Rev. Emmanuel I. Omozue.
Also suspended, pending an investigative panel, are 15 lay leaders, among them 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, and 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, Rev. Canon Francis Onoshefe.
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To ensure stability and continuity in the cathedral's administration, the Primate has also approved the constitution of a Transition Committee, chaired by Rev. Canon Francis Onoshefe, with Sir Chief Peter Garbot Adjekpiyede, Evang. John Agofure, Chief Mrs. Eguono Temiagin, Mrs. Patience Onah, and Mr. Churchill Oki as members.
