A prominent Catholic knight, Sir James Louise (also known as Ebube Anaedo), dramatically renounced his faith during the inauguration of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday, January 2026.
Deeply upset by the church's complete omission of any mention of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who had personally funded and advanced the cathedral project to approximately 85% completion Louise broke down in tears after the Mass. In a widely circulated video, he removed his knighthood regalia (including his shoes and cap) and declared his departure from Christianity.
The late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, a well-known businessman and politician, had volunteered significant resources to construct the cathedral. However, progress was halted in 2022 when the new Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Dr. Jonas-Benson Okoye, instructed him to stop work on the project.
During the inauguration ceremony, neither the cathedral's brochure nor any oral acknowledgments credited Ubah's substantial contributions, prompting the knight's public outburst.
In his emotional statement captured in the video, Sir James Louise said:
“This is my last day as a Christian. I’m done. This is awful. How could anyone believe that this cathedral which Ifeanyi Ubah slaved to build could be inaugurated without a mention of his name. This is bad, I’m done with Christianity. This is my last day as a Christian.”
The incident has ignited strong reactions on social media, with many users condemning the Catholic Church (specifically the Nnewi Diocese) for what they see as ingratitude and a lack of recognition for Ubah's generosity and dedication. Critics argue that failing to honor such a major benefactor undermines the spirit of appreciation and fairness.
As of the latest reports, the Nnewi Catholic Diocese has not issued any official explanation or response to the protest or the widespread criticism.
This dramatic event highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the cathedral's history, legacy, and the recognition of individual contributions in religious projects, drawing significant attention across Nigeria's online community.
Deeply upset by the church's complete omission of any mention of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who had personally funded and advanced the cathedral project to approximately 85% completion Louise broke down in tears after the Mass. In a widely circulated video, he removed his knighthood regalia (including his shoes and cap) and declared his departure from Christianity.
The late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, a well-known businessman and politician, had volunteered significant resources to construct the cathedral. However, progress was halted in 2022 when the new Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Dr. Jonas-Benson Okoye, instructed him to stop work on the project.
During the inauguration ceremony, neither the cathedral's brochure nor any oral acknowledgments credited Ubah's substantial contributions, prompting the knight's public outburst.
In his emotional statement captured in the video, Sir James Louise said:
“This is my last day as a Christian. I’m done. This is awful. How could anyone believe that this cathedral which Ifeanyi Ubah slaved to build could be inaugurated without a mention of his name. This is bad, I’m done with Christianity. This is my last day as a Christian.”
The incident has ignited strong reactions on social media, with many users condemning the Catholic Church (specifically the Nnewi Diocese) for what they see as ingratitude and a lack of recognition for Ubah's generosity and dedication. Critics argue that failing to honor such a major benefactor undermines the spirit of appreciation and fairness.
As of the latest reports, the Nnewi Catholic Diocese has not issued any official explanation or response to the protest or the widespread criticism.
This dramatic event highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the cathedral's history, legacy, and the recognition of individual contributions in religious projects, drawing significant attention across Nigeria's online community.
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