By Daniel Okunarigho
SAPELE/Nigeria: A routine Sunday worship service at the Cathedral Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Sapele, was thrown into tension on Sunday following an alleged attempt by Bishop Erifeta to resume leadership of the Diocese, a move that was forcefully resisted by members of the congregation.
The service, held at the cathedral along Boyo Road in Sapele, was in progress when the bishop arrived with members of his entourage, accompanied by security personnel.
Eyewitnesses said Bishop Erifeta attempted to rejoin the service with the apparent intention of reassuming his former position as substantive Bishop of the Diocese, nearly a decade after he was said to have been asked to step aside.
His arrival was met with immediate opposition from worshippers, who openly rejected the move and insisted that they would not accept his return as their spiritual leader.
Some members of the Diocese told journalists that a letter, allegedly issued last month by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), had informed them of plans for Bishop Erifeta to resume duties in Sapele, despite his reported removal from office on January 18, 2026, over various allegations.
During the service, women within the congregation staged a peaceful protest, displaying placards with inscriptions such as: “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.”
Speaking separately on the church premises, Evangelist Akuroma Otuike, former People’s Warden of All Saints’ Church, Sapele; Rev. Gabriel Enudje; and Pastor Freeborn Ejowovwo of Irhodo Anglican Church, Jesse, said members of the Diocese were united in rejecting what they described as an attempt to impose Bishop Erifeta on them.
They alleged that the Diocese suffered serious setbacks during the bishop’s previous tenure and only began to witness revival and growth after his exit, through the intervention of what they described as the “Rescue Group of Churches.”
According to them, the Diocese has recorded notable improvements in recent years, including prompt payment of salaries and allowances to priests, pastors, and church workers, as well as regular promotions based on merit.
Evangelist Otuike further alleged that assessment funds were previously diverted for personal use, a practice he said had since been halted.
He invited stakeholders and church authorities to visit the cathedral and other churches under the Rescue Group to independently assess the level of infrastructural development, which he contrasted with what he described as neglect during Bishop Erifeta’s leadership.
Rev. Enudje claimed that the cathedral was once in a dilapidated state, with leaking roofs and unfinished floors, noting that major improvements—including tarred floors, walkways, and landscaping—were only carried out after the bishop’s departure.
The church leaders 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 trigger further unrest.
They also called on the Delta State Government and concerned citizens to intervene to prevent an escalation of tensions.
Bishop Erifeta and his entourage later left the cathedral, alongside the accompanying security personnel. However, sources alleged that the bishop vowed to return, insisting on his determination to reclaim leadership of the Diocese.
