By Ovasa Ogaga,
After more than a decade of internal crisis, the Diocese of Sapele Anglican Peace Forum has thrown its weight behind the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba's reconciliation directive, insisting that forgiveness, not factionalism, is now the only viable path to peace.
“We acknowledge that the Diocese of Sapele has been in crisis since 2015,” the forum said, describing the conflict as one that has persisted despite “various attempts” at resolution that failed to achieve lasting peace.
Invoking scripture, the group warned of the spiritual consequences of prolonged bitterness. “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” the statement read, adding pointedly: “If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
The Peace Forum, made up of members from churches under the defunct Special Archdeaconry, said it was formed out of “a genuine desire to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation within the Diocese.” According to the group, its intervention follows a clear directive from the Primate, conveyed in a letter dated December 12, 2025.
“We have come together to take sincere and deliberate steps toward lasting peace in the Diocese of Sapele,” the forum stated.
Following consultations across the archdeaconry, the group said support for reconciliation is widespread. “We can confidently say that a large majority support the ongoing reconciliation process,” the statement noted.
The forum appealed directly to remaining dissenters to embrace peace. “We, therefore, appeal to all who are still aggrieved to sheath their swords and bury the hatchet,” it said, stressing that “in the pursuit of peace and unity… no sacrifice required of any member will be too great.”
In strong terms, the group also rejected a separate letter dated December 20, 2025, which purportedly opposed the Primate’s directive. The forum stated that the authors acted without a mandate.
“We strongly condemn and hereby declare null and void the purported rejection of the Primate’s directives,” the statement said, describing the claim by the authors to represent the defunct Special Archdeaconry as “false and misleading.”
Expressing hope for closure, the forum said it looks forward to the planned Reconciliation and Thanksgiving Service scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026. “It is our earnest prayer that God Almighty, who established the Diocese of Sapele, will hear our prayers,” the statement read.
The statement was signed by the chairman of the Peace Forum, Sir (Chief) Peter Garbot Adjekpiyede (KSC), JP, and the secretary, Bro. Mudiaga Majar Afitara, and circulated to church leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers, and government officials.
It was also endorsed by other members of the Diocese of Sapele Anglican Peace Forum from Cathedral Church of St. Luke: Sir Peter Adjekpiyede; Rev’d Canon F. Onoshefe; Mrs Favour Onoshefe; Evang. John Agofure. From All Saints Anglican Church: Rev’d E. E. Otuogba; Olorogun Anthony Akpomiemie; Sir Chief Afoke Koko; Sir J. Johnny; Lady G. O. Koko. From St. Stephen Anglican Church: Rev’d Canon A. Obunegbe; Chief Godwin Asudo; Chief Hon. Wellington Oyibo; Mr Ikuemya Anthony; Mrs Efeya Eseoghene. And from St. Andrew’s Anglican Church: Rev’d Moses Ighedo; Dr (Mrs) E. I. Ighedo; Evang. (Mrs) L. Eko; Mr Roland Ijeleba; Bro. Mudiaga Afitara and others.
