The dust is yet to settle over the controversy that arose following the consecration of Monsignor Kelechi Okpaleke as Bishop of Ahiara Diocese.
The coronation of Okpaleke has ignited tension in Mbaise land and environs, since his consecration, he (Okpaleke) has not set foot in Ahiara Catholic Diocese where he is due to preside as the Bishop.
However, a new twist emerged yesterday when the coalition of Ahiara Diocesan Indigenous Catholic Youths (CADICY), Mbaise, raised an alarm alleging that some royal fathers, three priests of the Ahiara Diocese and knights of the Church in collaboration with some Anambra based business men, are bent on returning Okpaleke to Ahiara Diocese.
A statement endorsed by Maxwell Ujowundu (President), Anthony Akalegbore, (Secretary), Simon Onwuama (Publicity Secretary) of the group, said the above mentioned are donating and distributing money to the Catholic faithful of Ahiara Diocese, bargaining for the return of the rejected Okpaleke to Ahiara Diocese, stressing that the rejection of Okpaleke has gone beyond money or any financial inducement.
The statement reads “The Coalition of Ahiara Diocesan Indigenous Catholic Youths (CADICY) Ahiara Diocese hereby warn that we will vehemently continue to reject any appointment of Okpaleke in Ahiara Diocese even as a parish priest, Okpaleke’s insistence to serve as a Bishop in Ahiara Diocese is against the injunctions of the holy spirit”
The group warned that “his (Okpaleke’s) promoters and supporters should give the returning peace and tranquility in Ahiara Diocese a chance, saying anything short of this is against the interest of the Catholic Church and the Holy Spirit and will be resisted.
