A church member's dramatic public renunciation of his faith has sent shockwaves through the Nnewi Catholic community and sparked intense online debate. The incident occurred during the solemn dedication ceremony of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese Cathedral, turning a moment of celebration into one of controversy.
Cathedral Dedication Erupted by Angry Outburst
James Louise Okoye was captured in a now-viral video declaring his departure from Christianity right inside the cathedral. His loud protest disrupted the proceedings as he expressed deep-seated anger over the church's perceived failure to acknowledge the contributions of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
In the footage, which surfaced on social media on Wednesday, Okoye could be heard shouting the name of the former lawmaker, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District and passed away in July 2024. He accused the church leadership of neglecting to honour Ubah's memory and his purported role in supporting the cathedral project.
"My Last Day as a Christian" - A Protest Against Perceived Neglect
Okoye's central grievance was the omission of Senator Ubah's name during prayers for the souls of the faithful departed. He directly challenged the congregation, asking, "Did you hear them say, may the soul of Ifeanyi Ubah rest in peace?" Convinced of a deliberate snub, he made his stunning declaration.
"My last day as a Christian. My last day as a Christian is today," Okoye proclaimed, his words echoing through the sacred space. He insisted that the late politician, who he claimed played a crucial part in the cathedral's construction, deserved explicit recognition during the dedication ceremony.
Remembering Senator Ifeanyi Ubah: The Politician at the Heart of the Storm
The controversy revolves around the legacy of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, a prominent figure in Anambra State politics who died at the age of 52. He passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at a London hospital after battling a serious illness.
Ubah was a successful businessman before his political career, founding Capital Oil and Gas Industries Ltd. He entered the Senate in 2019 under the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and was re-elected in 2023. At the time of his death, he had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was considered a potential gubernatorial candidate for Anambra state.
Beyond politics and business, he was also known as the owner of Ifeanyi Ubah FC, a Nigerian professional football club. His death was a significant event in the political landscape of the South-East region.
The incident at the Nnewi Cathedral highlights the deep intersection of faith, politics, and personal loyalty in Nigerian society. It raises questions about how institutions honour benefactors and the powerful emotions tied to recognition and remembrance. The viral video continues to generate reactions, with many debating the appropriateness of Okoye's protest method while others question the church's protocols for acknowledging contributors.
