What was expected to be a peaceful worship service at the Cathedral Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Sapele, was briefly disrupted on Sunday following an alleged attempt by Bishop Erifeta to resume leadership of the Diocese, a move firmly resisted by church members.
The service, held along Boyo Road, Sapele, was ongoing when Bishop Erifeta arrived at the cathedral with members of his entourage and accompanied by security personnel.
According to eyewitnesses, the bishop sought to rejoin the service with the intention of reassuming his former position as the substantive Bishop of the Diocese—nearly a decade after he was reportedly asked to step aside.
His appearance was met with strong opposition from congregants, who openly rejected the move and vowed not to accept his return as their spiritual leader.
Some members of the Diocese told journalists that a letter, allegedly issued last month by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), informed them of plans for Bishop Erifeta to resume duties in Sapele.
They claimed this was despite his removal from office on January 18, 2026, over what they described as various allegations leveled against him.
During the service, protesting women displayed placards bearing inscriptions such as: “No to embezzlement of our funds,” “We do not want Erifeta back again,” “Enough is enough of underdevelopment in Sapele Diocese,” “Erifeta go away,” and “Primate, translate Erifeta to other areas.”
Speaking separately at the church premises, Evangelist Akuroma Otuike, former People’s Warden of All Saints’ Church, Sapele; Rev. Gabriel Enudje; and Pastor Freeborn Ejowovwo of Irhodo Anglican Church, Jesse, said members of the Diocese were united in resisting what they described as the imposition of Bishop Erifeta.
They maintained that the Diocese had suffered severe setbacks during Bishop Erifeta’s previous tenure and had only experienced revival and development through the efforts of what they referred to as the “Rescue Group of Churches” after his exit.
According to them, the Diocese has witnessed unprecedented development in recent years, including prompt payment of salaries and allowances to priests, pastors, and church workers, as well as timely promotions based on merit.
Evangelist Otuike alleged that, in the past, assessment funds were diverted for personal use, a practice he said had since stopped.
He invited concerned parties to visit the cathedral and other churches within the Rescue Group to verify the level of infrastructural development, which he contrasted with conditions in churches allegedly left neglected under Bishop Erifeta’s leadership.
Rev. Enudje further claimed that during Bishop Erifeta’s tenure, the cathedral was in a dilapidated state, with damaged roofing and unfinished flooring.
He said significant improvements—including tarred floors, walkways, and landscaping—were only carried out after the bishop’s departure.
The church leaders appealed to the Primate to redeploy Bishop Erifeta to another Diocese in the interest of peace, warning that any attempt to force his return could escalate tensions.
They also called on the Delta State Government and concerned citizens to intervene.
Bishop Erifeta and his entourage, including the accompanying security personnel, later left the cathedral.
However, sources who spoke to the press alleged that the bishop vowed to return, insisting on his resolve to reclaim leadership of the Diocese.