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.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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