There was tension on Sunday at the Cathedral Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Sapele, as church members blocked Bishop Erifeta from resuming duty as the substantive bishop of the Diocese.
The protest disrupted the Sunday service at the cathedral along Boyo Road, Sapele. Many of the protesters, mostly women, carried placards with messages like “No to embezzlement of our funds,” “We don’t want Erifeta back,” and “Enough of underdevelopment in Sapele Diocese.”
According to members, the bishop arrived at the church with security personnel, reportedly to resume work, but was openly rejected by congregants, who vowed not to accept his return.
Some church members said they were informed through a letter allegedly issued by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) about plans for Bishop Erifeta’s return, despite his earlier removal over various allegations.
Speaking separately, some church leaders said the Diocese suffered setbacks during Bishop Erifeta’s past leadership, but experienced growth and development after his exit under what they called the “Rescue Group of Churches.”
They claimed that in recent years, salaries and allowances of church workers have been paid on time, promotions have been fair, and infrastructure has improved greatly.
The protesters appealed to the Primate to redeploy Bishop Erifeta to another Diocese in the interest of peace, warning that forcing his return could lead to more tension. They also called on the Delta State Government and concerned citizens to intervene.
Eventually, Bishop Erifeta and his team left the cathedral.
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