He Is a Stooge of Bishop Chukwuma’: Anglican Church Enugu Diocese Rejects Anambra Man as Bishop

The Anglican Church in Nigeria has faced backlash following the election of Ven. Prof. Sam Ike, an Anambra native, as the new Bishop of Enugu Diocese. The election, held on August 13, 2023, in Abuja, has been met with significant opposition from Enugu State indigenes who argue that the process was flawed and did not represent their preferences.

Kingsley Okah, a justice advocate, has submitted a petition on behalf of the people of Enugu, accusing the church of insensitivity and procedural unfairness. The petition claims that Ven. Prof. Ike is viewed as a stooge of the retired Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, who faced allegations of misconduct during his tenure.

This controversy echoes a previous incident involving the Catholic Church, where Bishop Peter Okpaleke from Anambra was similarly rejected by the Ahiala Diocese of the Catholic Church in Imo State. The Enugu protesters argue that the Anglican Church has systematically marginalized the people of Enugu, noting that both the first bishop of Enugu and the immediate past bishop were from outside the state.

The petition calls for a review of the election outcome to ensure fairness and justice, and threatens legal action if necessary, citing strategies used by the Ahiara Diocese in its successful rejection of Okpaleke.

The situation has ignited a heated debate on social media, with calls for the Anglican Church to address the concerns of Enugu indigenes and to uphold equitable decision-making processes.