From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha
Reactions have greeted alleged non-recognition of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s contributions to the building of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral Church, Nnewi, Anambra State.
The ultramodern cathedral was dedicated last Wednesday during a solemn mass that attracted scores of Bishops, including Francis Cardinal Arinze, Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke and John Cardinal Onaiyekan.
Former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Sen. Victor Umeh, several top government functionaries, captains of industries, among others were also in attendance.
A knight of the Catholic Church, Sir James Okoye, had, immediately after the dedication service, protested alleged omission of the late Uba’s name during the service. He renounced Christianity as a way of demonstrating his disappointment with the church.
Reports have it that the cathedral was first started by the late senator, who volunteered to build the cathedral for the church.
“He worked on the project to about 85 per cent completion, before a new Bishop was posted to Nnewi in 2022, who directed that Ubah should hands off the cathedral.
“The directive was said to have caused rift between the Bishop and the Senator,” the reports said.
However, Okoye, aka Ebube Anaedo, during the church dedication, in a sharp protest, described as unfair, the treatment meted out to the late lawmaker.
The visibly devastated man had removed his shoes and cap, signifying end to his knighthood, shouting as he exited the church, “Ifeanyi Ubah, sorry for you!”
He added: “It’s unfair that not even in the brochure or orally was your name acknowledged as a contributor, even when you constructed over 85 per cent of the edifice.
“How could anyone believe the cathedral, which Ifeanyi Ubah saved to build could be inaugurated without a mention of his name! This is bad and awful. This is my last day as a Christian. I’m done with Christianity!”
But the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi in a media briefing, dismissed Okoye’s criticism as a blatant lie, insisting that the church has not in any way abandoned or neglected the late Ubah.
Chairman of Media and Publicity Committee of the dedication of the cathedral, Rev. Fr Hygi Aghaulor, said the church appreciated the late Ubah and was still happy with him.
He said individuals that contributed hugely to the completion of the cathedral, including the late Ubah, were mentioned during the dedication service.
Aghaulor admitted that the late senator was a major benefactor to the diocese, but noted that he did not either build the cathedral singlehandedly or initiated the building project as alleged.
He disclosed that the late lawmaker contributed about 75-80 per cent of the money that went into the building.
“The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Most Rev. Dr Jonas Okoye, during the inauguration, appreciated people that contributed hugely to the completion of the cathedral.
“In page 10 of the brochure, it was categorically stated that the late Senator Ubah offered his assistance to the then Bishop, Most Rev. Odili Okeke, to ensure the completion of the cathedral.
“The late Ubah remained a major benefactor before his unfortunate demise. He was copiously mentioned in the brochure.
“Nothing can be enough except what God has done. People that are giving; are giving to God not the church or individual. The work of God will continue, we pray for our benefactors who have passed on to continue to rest in the Lord.
“The best gift for the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is prayer. Structure can be brought down, but the church don’t joke with documents, the late Ifeanyi Ubah happened to be immortalised in our brochure and in the hearts of the entire 147 parishes in Nnewi Diocese,” he said.
He disclosed that the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi composed a prayer for months, which was called a Daily Prayer In view of the Dedication of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi.
“The church has for months composed prayers for the dedication of the cathedral, revered our benefactors, raised those who have passed on before the Lord, among whom are Ifeanyi Ubah and Ajulu Uzodike, who were part of the cathedral building committee from day one,” he added.
Reacting to Okoye’s renunciation of Christianity, Aghaulor said he committed sin of apostasy, which he described as public and total rejection of Christian faith received in baptism.
“According to Canon Law, Canon 194, paragraph 1 no 2 and then Canon 751, if somebody committed apostasy, that is sufficient to make one lose one’s office or title in the Catholic Church.
“If he dies in the situation without remorse, the church will not bury him,” he added.
