A popular Catholic priest in Enugu State, Rev. Fr. Paul Obayi, has publicly relinquished ownership of his adoration land and properties to former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi amid ongoing disputes within the Nsukka Catholic Diocese. Fr. Obayi, who serves as the Spiritual Director of Okunerere Adoration Ministry in Nsukka, made the announcement during his Palm Sunday homily at the adoration ground.
The conflict escalated after a woman named Princess Monica Otta, accompanied by police officers, demolished part of the adoration ground using a bulldozer. The demolition destroyed buildings and valuable assets, including a water factory belonging to the ministry, which Fr. Obayi estimated to be worth around N300 million. The disputed land was reportedly not part of the original allocation to the priest but had been acquired during Ugwuanyi’s tenure as governor.
Fr. Obayi expressed deep frustration over the lack of support from his diocesan leadership, accusing Bishop Geoffrey Onah and fellow priests of abandoning him amid the crisis. He revealed that despite multiple attempts to reach out to his bishop through texts and letters, he had received no response. The priest also indicated that he felt isolated in his fight to protect the ministry’s property.
In a dramatic declaration, Fr. Obayi announced his intention to leave the adoration ground and transfer ownership of the land and remaining properties to ex-Governor Ugwuanyi. He stated he would hand over not only the land but also the houses, the remnants of the demolished water factory, the borehole, the fence, the crucifix, and a statue of the Virgin Mary to Ugwuanyi, whom he credited for originally granting the land.
The priest’s announcement highlights a significant rift within the Nsukka Catholic Diocese and raises questions about property rights and church leadership dynamics in the region. The situation remains tense as the community awaits further developments regarding the ownership and future of the adoration ministry’s land and assets.
