Nnewi Catholic Diocese denies claims of abandoning late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

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By Sunny A. David, Nnewi

The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has dismissed claims that it abandoned or failed to recognise the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah during the recent dedication of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The clarification was made by the Publicity Chairman of the Cathedral Dedication Committee, Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghulor, in response to a viral video by Sir James Louis Okoye, who alleged that the late senator was not mentioned during the dedication ceremony held on Wednesday.

Rev. Fr. Aghulor described the allegation as false and misleading, stressing that the Church duly acknowledged and appreciated Senator Ubah’s significant contributions to the cathedral project and other benefactors.

According to him, prayers for the dedication ceremony had been carefully prepared months ahead and included special recognition of benefactors, both living and deceased. 

He noted that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and the late Ajulu Uzodike, a member of the cathedral building committee from its inception, were among those remembered.

“The Bishop of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, mentioned Cardinal Francis Arinze, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah and others during the dedication service,” Rev. Fr. Aghulor said. 

“Dr. Ubah was also prominently acknowledged in the dedication brochure, appearing on page 10 and extensively on pages 7 to 9.”

While reaffirming Senator Ubah’s role as a major benefactor, Rev. Fr. Aghulor clarified that the late senator neither initiated the cathedral project nor singlehandedly built it.

He further explained that contributions to the Church are acts of service to God and not made for personal glorification. According to him, the Catholic Church does not immortalise benefactors through monuments but continually prays for them.

“As at the last count, about 20 churches have been built by individuals within the diocese, yet none has monuments erected in their names,” he said. “The diocese has 147 parishes, and the appreciation of benefactors is an ongoing spiritual process, unlike what is commonly seen in government.”

When asked about possible disciplinary measures against Sir James Louis Okoye, Rev. Fr. Aghulor noted that Canon Law, particularly Canon 194 paragraph 1(2) and Canon 751, clearly outlines provisions regarding apostasy and related matters.