The Catholic Diocese of Awka has publicly distanced itself from the remarks made by Rev. Fr. Cajethan Obiekezie, a priest of the diocese, who preached against Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during a recent sermon. In his homily last Sunday, Obiekezie criticized Governor Soludo for opposing the election of Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi and urged parishioners to vote against all APGA candidates.
In response, the Awka Catholic Diocese issued a press statement, signed by Diocesan Chancellor Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, explicitly disassociating itself from Obiekezie’s statements. Titled “The recent homilies of Rev. Fr. Cajethan Obiekezie: A disclaimer,” the statement was made available to journalists in Awka on Saturday. It noted that Obiekezie’s comments, which have gone viral on social media, were “unnecessary utterances capable of destroying the long‑lasting relationship we have enjoyed with the Anglican communion in Anambra State and also capable of overheating the polity.” The diocese emphasized that Obiekezie has no mandate to speak on behalf of the diocese.
The statement further affirmed the Church’s inherent right, independent of any human authority, to preach the gospel to all people, as Christ entrusted the deposit of faith (Canon 747). However, this right must be exercised within established rules and regulations. In the context of Mass, the rules of homiletics (Canons 768 & 1, 2; 769; 772 & 1) apply, and the pulpit cannot be used for personal sentiments or verbal attacks that could damage anyone’s reputation. The diocese warned that it will take necessary steps to teach its priests the sanctity of the pulpit and will not hesitate to impose sanctions where appropriate.
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