No to Embezzlement of Our Funds”: Anglicans Protest as Bishop Is Blocked From Resuming Duty in Delta
No to Embezzlement of Our Funds”: Anglicans Protest as Bishop Is Blocked From Resuming Duty in Delta
Anglican worshippers in Sapele, Delta State, on Sunday staged a peaceful protest to block Bishop Erifeta from resuming duty in the diocese, citing unresolved allegations of financial mismanagement and deep concerns about peace and unity within the church.
The protesters, made up of clergy leaders, lay members, youths, and women groups, gathered early around key church premises, chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with inscriptions such as “No to Embezzlement of Our Funds,” “Peace Before Position,” and “Redeploy Bishop Erifeta.”
According to the demonstrators, Bishop Erifeta’s attempted return has reopened old wounds linked to what they described as alleged mismanagement of diocesan resources during his previous tenure. They insist that allowing him to resume leadership would threaten the relative calm and steady development the diocese has enjoyed in recent times.
Call for Primate’s Intervention
Leaders of the protest formally appealed to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), urging him to consider redeploying Bishop Erifeta to another diocese in the interest of peace.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one of the leaders said the action was not driven by hatred or rebellion against church authority, but by a desire to protect the church’s unity and integrity.
“We are not against the church, and we are not against authority,” the leader stated. “But peace is paramount. Forcing Bishop Erifeta on the people again will only deepen division and could reverse the progress we have recorded.”
Fear of Escalation
The protesters warned that insisting on Bishop Erifeta’s return despite widespread opposition could escalate tensions within the diocese. They stressed that the Anglican Church should be a place of reconciliation, transparency, and trust, noting that leadership must carry the confidence of both clergy and laity.
They further argued that redeployment, rather than reinstatement, would be a wise and peaceful administrative decision that would allow the diocese to continue its developmental strides without distraction.
Commitment to Peaceful Protest
Despite the strong sentiments expressed, the protest remained peaceful, with participants emphasizing prayer, dialogue, and respect for church structures. Security personnel were present to monitor the situation, but no incidents were recorded.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the diocesan authorities or the office of the Primate. However, the situation in Sapele continues to draw attention within Anglican circles, with many calling for swift and sensitive intervention to prevent further unrest.
The coming days will likely determine whether dialogue and redeployment will prevail, or whether the standoff will deepen in one of the Anglican Church’s key dioceses in Delta State.
