Cathedral
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Anambra State, has reacted to a viral video showing a Catholic knight dramatically renouncing Christianity during the dedication of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi, over what he described as the church’s failure to adequately honour the legacy of late Senator Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah.
Cardinal Francis Arinze
The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, during the dedication Mass of the cathedral, which was presided over by Cardinal Francis Arinze.The knight, Sir James-Louis Ebube Anaedo, a member of the Order of St. John International in the diocese, caused a stir when he openly lamented in the church and walked out barefoot, declaring he was “done with the church.”
Dramatic Outburst Followed
The dramatic outburst followed the traditional roll call and appreciation segment of the Mass, during which individuals and groups who contributed to the completion of the cathedral were acknowledged by the diocesan bishop, Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye.Amid the congregation, Sir Anaedo was heard crying aloud in Igbo: “Ifeanyi Ubah ndoooo! Ka mkpụrụobi gị zuo ike n’ndokwa! Akajugom!” — translated as “Ifeanyi Ubah, forgive us. May your soul rest in peace. I am done with the church.”
Dedication Ceremony
Speaking to journalists shortly after the incident, the knight accused the diocese of politicising the dedication ceremony and allegedly downplaying the contributions of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, whom he claimed single-handedly initiated the cathedral project from its foundation before the diocese took over.
Ccathedral Premises
He argued that the church ought to have accorded the late senator special recognition by observing a minute’s silence in his honour, formally inviting his family to the dedication, publicly eulogising him, or even erecting a monument or statue in his memory within the cathedral premises.
Describing the situation as “politics taken too far,” the knight announced his renunciation of both his Catholic membership and Christian faith, a declaration that has since generated widespread reactions across social media.
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Catholic Communications
Reacting to the development on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Director of Catholic Communications, Diocese of Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Martins Onwudiwe, dismissed claims that the diocese ignored the late senator’s contributions.According to him, the diocesan bishop expressly acknowledged and appreciated the role played by late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah during the roll call after the Mass.
knight’s public renunciation
“Perhaps the aggrieved knight expected a particular form of recognition, but expectations are personal,” Rev. Fr. Onwudiwe said. “What is important is that the bishop clearly recognised and appreciated the contributions of the late senator. That fact cannot be denied.”On the knight’s public renunciation of Christianity, the priest stressed that the church remains more concerned about the salvation of souls than public controversies.
“The church is a mother, and sometimes some of her children stray. Our duty is not to abandon them, but to seek reconciliation. The salvation of the soul is the supreme law of the church,” he added.
Nnewi, Noble CY Egbosi
Meanwhile, the Order of St. John International has also reacted to the incident. The Worthy President of Commandery 511, Nnewi, Noble CY Egbosi, disclosed that a panel has been constituted on the directive of the Supreme Subordinate to investigate the conduct of the erring member.He stated that disciplinary action, including possible expulsion from the knighthood, may be taken against Sir Anaedo if found culpable when the panel concludes its work next week.
The incident has continued to spark debate within religious and public circles, raising questions about recognition, legacy, and conduct within sacred spaces.