The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has come forward to address the growing controversy surrounding the recognition of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah during the recent dedication of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral. Following social media claims that the church had overlooked the late senator’s effort
The clarification was prompted by comments from a James Okoye, who alleged that the church failed to give Ubah his due during the ceremony. In a swift response, Rev. Fr. Hyginus Aghulor, the Publicity Chairman of the Cathedral Dedication Committee, explained that the church had been preparing for this event for months, ensuring that all benefactors—both living and deceased—were included in the prayers and the official records.
Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye specifically mentioned Senator Ifeanyi Ubah along with other key figures like Cardinal Francis Arinze during the service. Fr. Aghulor pointed out that the late senator was featured prominently in the dedication brochure, with extensive references to his role on the building committee from its very early stages.
However, the priest also took the opportunity to set the record straight on the project’s history. While acknowledging that Senator Ubah was a major benefactor, he clarified that the senator did not singlehandedly build the cathedral nor did he start the project. He noted that within the Nnewi Diocese alone, at least 20 churches have been built by various individuals, none of whom have sought to have their names immortalized on monuments or buildings.
The diocese emphasized that in the Catholic tradition, giving to the church is seen as an act of service to God rather than a bid for public acclaim. Fr. Aghulor noted that gratitude in a spiritual context is a continuous process of prayer, which is far more significant than a one-off ceremonial mention. He urged the public to understand that the church operates differently from the political sphere, where recognition is often tied to public monuments.
