The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), His Grace, the Most Revd Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, has approved the immediate dissolution of all committees and church groups at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Boyo Road, Sapele, and suspended several clergymen and lay leaders over what the church described as persistent insubordination and disregard for constituted authority.
The decision, announced in a press release issued on Monday, followed what the Primate said were “the exhibition of insubordination and refusal of some members and officers to adhere to the authority and directives of the Primate,” despite repeated peace efforts spanning more than a decade since the crisis began.
Acting under Canon XVI, Subsection 49, and Canon XVII (1–8) of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria, the Primate ordered that “the Cathedral Standing Committee of the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Sapele, is hereby dissolved,” alongside “all Executive Committees of church groups—including the Christian Men Fellowship (CMF), Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF), Women Organisations, and all other arms of the church.”
The release added that the previously dissolved Sapele Special Archdeaconry (Rescue Group) “remains dissolved.”
Pending the outcome of a disciplinary panel, seven clergymen were suspended and relieved of their duties. They include Venerable Clement Esimaje Oburoh (Rtd), Venerable Benson Ovumedia, Venerable Onorien Arawore, Rev. Canon Peter Adams, Rev. Jonah Enudje, Rev. Israel Ohworanovwee, Rev. Andrew Idimi and Rev. Emmanuel I. Omozue.
Similarly, pending an investigative panel, 15 lay persons were suspended and relieved of their responsibilities within the church. All suspended persons were 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.
To stabilise the cathedral and ensure continuity, the Primate also approved the constitution of a Transition Committee with immediate effect, comprising Rev. Canon Francis Onoshefe as Vicar, alongside Sir Chief Peter Garbot Adjekpiyede, Evangelist John Agofure, Chief Mrs. Eguono Temiagin, Mrs. Patience Onah and Mr. Churchill Oki.
The Primate called on members of the cathedral to “cooperate fully with the new Vicar and the Transition Committee,” assuring that the church remains committed to prayer and reconciliation “as all work together for peace, order, and to the glory of God.”
The press release was signed by the Director of Communication, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Venerable Raphael A. Aderinwale, and dated January 26, 2026.
