Methodist Church Nigeria Elects Four New Archbishops, 19 Bishops, Approves Episcopal Translations

 

By Abel Chigozie 

The Methodist Church Nigeria has elected four new Archbishops and 19 Bishops while approving the translation of serving Archbishops and Bishops to new ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

The decisions were taken by the Conference Electoral College during the ongoing 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Church in Ibadan, Oyo State, and subsequently announced by the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, JP.

The latest episcopal appointments and translations mark a significant development in the leadership structure of the Church and are expected to strengthen pastoral administration, spiritual oversight and the expansion of the Methodist mission across Nigeria.

Four Bishops Elevated to Archbishop

The Electoral College elected the following Bishops to the rank of Archbishop:

1. Rt. Rev’d O. O. Babalola — Archdiocese of Ilesa

2. Rt. Rev’d Dr. Samuel R. Nortey — Archdiocese of Edo Delta

3. Rt. Rev’d Sunday Eze — Archdiocese of Okigwe

4. Rt. Rev’d Barr. Ukut Otuekong — Archdiocese of Calabar

Their elevation places them in broader episcopal leadership roles, with responsibility for providing strategic direction, spiritual guidance and wider oversight within their respective Archdioceses.

19 New Bishops Elected

The Conference also approved the election of 19 new Bishops to serve across various Dioceses of the Methodist Church Nigeria.

They are:

1. Very Rev’d Kufe Abasi — Diocese of Okobo

2. Very Rev’d Joel Bandam — Diocese of Taabaa

3. Very Rev’d Emmanuel Udom — Diocese of Calabar North

4. Very Rev’d Dr. Asuquo Attih — Diocese of Ibom Ikono

5. Very Rev’d Prof. Konyin Ajayi — Diocese of Eko Atlantic

6. Very Rev’d Philip Adeoye — Diocese of Aye

7. Very Rev’d Amos Olalere — Diocese of Idanre

8. Very Rev’d Solomon Aasa — Diocese of Festac

9. Very Rev’d Oshin — Diocese of Ketu West

10. Very Rev’d Ago Oyadotun — Diocese of Lagos Central

11. Very Rev’d Owolabi — Diocese of Ayedun

12. Very Rev’d Ikechukwu Kenneth Obi — Diocese of Asaba

13. Very Rev’d James Adikwu — Diocese of Apa

14. Very Rev’d John Salifu — Diocese of Okpokwu

15. Very Rev’d James Silas Anyim — Diocese of Northeast

16. Very Rev’d Innocent Ekeke — Diocese of Ndoki Asa

17. Very Rev’d Obinna Agbo — Diocese of Nnato

18. Very Rev’d Joseph Anigbo — Diocese of Ikwueno South

19. Very Rev’d Dr. Prince Iwe — Diocese of Isielu

The new Bishops are expected to assume important pastoral and administrative responsibilities while advancing the Church's ministry and mission in their respective Dioceses.

Three Archbishops Translated

In a related development, the Conference approved the translation of three serving Archbishops to new ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

They are:

- Archbishop Akindeko — Archdiocese of Ifaki

- Archbishop Effiong Esedeke — Archdiocese of Bori

- Archbishop Chimezuo Nwankpa — Archdiocese of Port Harcourt

The translations form part of the Church's episcopal administrative process of redeploying experienced leaders to jurisdictions where their experience and leadership capabilities can contribute to the growth of the Methodist mission.

13 Bishops Also Translated

The Conference further approved the translation of 13 Bishops to new Dioceses and ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

They include:

1. Rt. Rev’d Ibikunle — Trinity Council (Tinubu)

2. Rt. Rev’d J. O. Ohu — Remo

3. Rt. Rev’d Matthew Falade — Lagos North

4. Rt. Rev’d Onisaki — Osogbo

5. Rt. Rev’d Ponzolin Basil — Iwo

6. Rt. Rev’d Nosa — Delta South

7. Rt. Rev’d Shettima — Sokoto

8. Rt. Rev’d Jackson — Adinu

9. Rt. Rev’d Gabriel — Niger

10. Rt. Rev’d Ekebuisi C. — Aba East

11. Rt. Rev’d Okechukwu Ogba — Awkananaw

12. Rt. Rev’d Nna — Atamunu

13. Rt. Rev’d Ekarika — Uyo Central

New Chapter in Methodist Leadership

The elections and episcopal translations constituted one of the major highlights of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference, reflecting the Church's established system of episcopal succession, leadership deployment and pastoral administration.

While announcing the results, the Prelate gave glory to God for the electoral process and its outcome, underscoring the responsibility that comes with episcopal office.

The newly elected and translated Archbishops and Bishops are expected to build on existing achievements, strengthen pastoral structures and advance the Gospel in their respective jurisdictions.

The Biennial Conference is being held under the theme: “I WILL FIGHT FOR YOU” — Exodus 14:14.

The latest appointments and translations therefore represent not only changes in ecclesiastical administration but also new responsibilities and expectations for the Church's leadership as the Methodist Church Nigeria continues its mission across the country.