By Our Correspondent

Apparently disturbed by the recent action of one of its members at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral dedication Nnewi, Anambra State on Wednesday, the Knight of St John International has apologized to the Catholic Church over the outburst of Sir James Louis Okoye at the event.

Okoye who removed his Knight hat with shoes in hand decried a situation where recognition was not accorded late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah for the role he played in the Cathedral building up to 80%.

In a viral video making the rounds on social media, the Knight was seen walking out of the church premises with his shoes handy and saying, akachalam!, meaning, I won’t worship again. I’m done with Christianity, This is my last day of being a Christian, this is not right, Ifeanyi Uba Ndo ooo. Ìfeanyi Ubah ndoo, ( English interpretation, Ifeany Ubah, sorry oo ) Ifeanyi Ubah is not resting in peace.

He contended that the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who represented Anambra South Senatorial Zone had constructed the cathedral up to 85 percent, but his name was not mentioned nor honoured.

This has sparked lots of arguments online and offline, as some people condemned his hasty action, while others believed he was right, condemning the church action.

Meanwhile, the Knight of St John International in a statement by its Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria, Sir Joachim Chuks Amamgbo condemned the action.

The statement dated January 15, 2026, with the caption disclaimer said that it is already looking into the matter, but however apologized to the church and it’s leaders.

The statement read: “The attention of the Knights of St John International, Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria has been drawn to the very unfortunate incident that occurred in Nnewi Diocese during the solemn dedication of the Cathedral on Wednesday, 14th January 2026 involving one Mr. James Okoye.

“The individual’s actions are clearly not in line with the values and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church nor those of the Knights of St John International for whom filial respect for the church and her clergy is sacrosanct.

“We totally condemn this very unusual behaviour and assure the church that the leadership of the Order in Nigeria Is presently addressing the incident in the most serious of manners, and in line with the disciplinary provisions of our Constitution.

“We apologize to our spiritual fathers and the church for the obvious embarrassment and do hereby reaffirm our commitment to upholding the ideals of service, spirituality, discipline, charity, honour, and respect for which our Order Is known.”

A knight of the Catholic Church, Sir James Louise also known as Ebube Anaedo on Wednesday renounced christianity following refusal by the Catholic church to acknowledge efforts made by late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in building Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The edifice was first kicked off by Ubah, who volunteered to build the cathedral on sole sponsorship for the church, and had worked on the project to over 85 percent completion, before a new Bishop, Dr Jonas-Benson Okoye was posted to Nnewi in 2022.

Okoye on taking over the mantle of leadership ordered Ubah to hands off the cathedral.

Information has it that the order had caused an issue between the Bishop and the Senator, as many insisted that the glory of the construction of the cathedral should not go to other people after he had invested too much money into the project.

However, during the inauguration of the cathedral on Wednesday which was graced by the high and mighty, the Catholic Knight, James Louise protested, saying it was unfair that not even in the brochure or orally was Ifeanyi Ubah acknowledged as a contributor, despite his over 85% input to the construction of the edifice.

In a video circulating online, Louise broke down and cried after mass, lamenting that despite the efforts of the late Senator, his name was not mentioned as one of those who contributed.

The distressed Catholic Knight who removed his shoes and cap that constitute his knighthood costumes 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 video has sparked outrage on social media with many commentators condemning the actions of the Catholic Church.

The Nnewi Catholic Diocese was yet to react to the development at the time of filing this report

•As Prof Odu pays tribute to fallen heroes

By Our Correspondent
‎Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged the good people of Rivers State to remain calm amid the ongoing impeachment process initiated by the State House of Assembly, and trust in God as his administration works to sustain the peace and progress.
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‎Governor Fubara made the call during a special Inter-Denominational Church Service held in commemoration of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.
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He emphasized that his quietness and calm are solidly from his source, God, who gives him confidence and strength, and indicated that there is no need for panic or agitation when one is anchored on divine authority.
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‎”I know what I have. I know that I have what is supreme and that is God. So I want everyone to be relaxed. What is important is peace for this dear State, and we will get it by the special name of God,” he said.
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‎The Governor assured the people that the central objective of his administration remains the entrenchment of lasting peace across Rivers State, adding that the government is committed to achieving this through faith and responsible leadership.
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‎Siminalayi,Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu drew attention to the message of the sermon and reminded the congregation that every individual is ultimately judged by the impact they make while alive.
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‎She paid tribute to fallen heroes and heroines, as well as veterans present at the service, describing their sacrifices as invaluable to the nation.
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‎”But I want to solemnly say to all of us that as we have come today to pray for legionnaires, for their wives of the fallen heroes, the husbands of the fallen heroines, please continue to uphold the government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara and my humble self in prayers. Prayers have sustained us so far and we believe that prayers will continue to sustain us in the mighty name of Jesus.”
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‎The sermon, delivered by the Most Reverend Blessing Enyindah, Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Ikwerre Diocese, with the theme “Only Remembered by What We Have Done, ” and anchored on Judges 5:1–10.
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‎The Archbishop commended Governor Fubara for his consistent support for the Armed Forces and urged leaders and citizens alike to use their lives to build a legacy of peace, love and service to God and humanity.
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‎He further admonished that those who live a just life, use their position and resources to help others and, be a blessing to the house of God shall be blessed.
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‎”When we serve God with out hearts and light, we shall be remembered. what shall you be remembered for? “, he asked.
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‎The service also had intercessory prayers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, veterans, and families of fallen heroes, as well as prayers for divine wisdom and guidance for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State Executive Council, and the nation at large.