Worship Disrupted in Sapele Anglican Cathedral Over Bishop’s Return

The long-running leadership crisis at the Anglican Cathedral in Sapele, Delta State, took a dramatic turn after Bishop Blessing Erifeta appeared at a church service amid stiff resistance from members. The diocese has been split for years over allegations of corruption, financial impropriety, and authoritarian conduct leveled against the bishop, fueling protests, court actions, and factional control of churches.

Tension  during the service at the Boyo Road cathedral when Erifeta arrived with security personnel, an action that unsettled worshippers who oppose his return. Congregants openly rejected his presence, insisting they did not recognize him as their bishop and questioning reports that his reinstatement followed an instruction from the church’s primate.

Women in the church displayed placards demanding stability and sustainable development, while clergy and lay leaders such as Evangelist Akuroma Otuike, Rev. Gabriel Enudje, and Pastor Freeborn Ejowovwo spoke against what they saw as a forced leadership arrangement. They maintained that the diocese has thrived under the Rescue Group of Churches, citing improved welfare for clergy and visible infrastructural upgrades.

Despite earlier mediation efforts by the national leadership of the Anglican Church, the crisis has lingered, at times leading to sealed churches and confrontations with security agents. However, fresh reconciliation moves are underway, including plans for a unifying service intended to end the decade-long division.