By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh
The Holy See has appointed the Most Rev. Ernest Obodo as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The appointment was transmitted via a formal decree, and has since been followed by the meeting of the College of Consultors of the Diocese, in accordance with the canonical requirement.
The transition in leadership became necessary following the passing of the Bishop of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Peter Chukwu, who returned to the Father’s house on Friday, 10 April 2026.
The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, expressed his prayers for the new Administrator and the grieving faithful of Abakaliki.
“May the Lord grant him the grace he needs to fulfill his responsibilities,” Fr. Banjo stated.
The appointment of Bishop Obodo takes effect immediately, ensuring the continuity of pastoral care and governance within the Diocese during this period of sede vacante.
Details of the funeral arrangements for Bishop Chukwu will be communicated by the Diocese in due course.
Bishop Obodo brings a wealth of pastoral experience and academic brilliance to his new role.
Born on 24 October 1966 in Awha Imezi, Enugu State, he was ordained a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Enugu on 22 May 2000.
His intellectual journey began at the Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, where he earned degrees in Philosophy and Sacred Theology, supplemented by a Bachelor’s in Religious Studies from Imo State University.
He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Religious Studies from Abia State University before traveling for advanced studies at the University of Innsbruck in Austria, where he earned a Doctorate in Theology with a specialisation in Canon Law.
Prior to his episcopal appointment, Bishop Obodo served in various capacities that balanced parish ministry with the formation of future priests.
Among other roles, he was the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Idodo, and worked within various parishes across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.
He lectured in Philosophy and Religious Studies at Godfrey Okoye University, as well as Canon Law and German Language at the Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu.
He served as the Vice Rector and later the Rector of St. Bernard Seminary Hostel, Nchatancha.
On 25 May 2018, he was appointed the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu and was subsequently consecrated on 31 August 2018.
He has served as the CBCN Chairman for Canon Law and the CAN Chairman, Enugu chapter. Until this recent appointment to Abakaliki, he served as the Auxiliary and Vicar General of the Enugu Diocese.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
