IFEANYI UBAH: Knights of St John Apologise to Catholic Church Over Member’s Outburst at Nnewi Cathedral Dedication
“The Knights of St John International apologise to the Catholic Church following a member’s viral outburst at the dedication of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi over alleged non-recognition of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.”
The Knights of St John International have tendered a formal apology to the Roman Catholic Church following the public outburst of one of their members, Sir James Louis Okoye, during the dedication of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday.
Okoye sparked controversy after he openly protested during the solemn dedication ceremony, alleging that the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was not duly recognised for his contributions to the construction of the cathedral.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Okoye was seen removing his knightly headgear, holding his shoes, and walking out of the church premises while expressing his displeasure. In the video, he repeatedly exclaimed, “Akachalam!”—an Igbo expression meaning “I am done”—and declared: “I won’t worship again. I am done with Christianity.
This is my last day of being a Christian. This is not right. Ifeanyi Ubah ndoo… Ifeanyi Ubah is not resting in peace.”
Okoye contended that the late senator, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District, financed and executed approximately 80 to 85 per cent of the cathedral’s construction, yet his name was neither mentioned nor honoured during the dedication ceremony.
The incident has since generated widespread reactions both online and offline, with critics condemning Okoye’s conduct as disrespectful and inappropriate, while others expressed sympathy with his grievances, accusing the church of failing to acknowledge significant contributions.
Reacting to the incident, the Knights of St John International, Nigeria, strongly dissociated themselves from Okoye’s actions and issued an apology to the Catholic Church.
In a statement dated January 15, 2026, signed by the Supreme Subordinate President of the Order in Nigeria, Sir Joachim Chuks Amamgbo, and titled “Disclaimer,” the organisation described the incident as “very unfortunate” and assured that disciplinary measures were underway.
The statement read in part:
“The attention of the Knights of St John International, Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria, has been drawn to the very unfortunate incident that occurred in the Nnewi Diocese during the solemn dedication of the Cathedral on Wednesday, 14 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 manner, in line with the disciplinary provisions of our Constitution.
“We apologise to our spiritual fathers and the Church for the embarrassment caused, and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the ideals of service, spirituality, discipline, charity, honour, and respect for which our Order is known.”
