The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria Catholic Chaplaincy, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka has returned to his ministry after 8 months of suspension.
The Church was closed down on the 3rd of June 2022 over Mbaka’s statement against the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi.
Catholic Diocese of Enugu banned Mbaka from commenting on political issues.
Following Mbaka’s suspension, the church turned the ministry into Chaplaincy to monitor the excesses in the ministry.
The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Callistus Onaga, in October 2022 transferred Mbaka from chaplaincy to the monastery.
The Bishop said, “In the light of the happenings in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu; capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings; and after several fraternal corrections and admonitions to Fr Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry; and after having given him pastoral directives and guidelines for the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated.
“And in fulfilment of my pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and morals in Enugu Diocese, I hereby prohibit all Catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Catholic Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded.
“My decision is based on the fact that some of the teachings and utterances of Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and faith of the Catholic Church.”
Consequently, Rev. Fr. Anthony Amadi was named to replace him (Mbaka) as the new chaplain of the Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy.
By Wednesday morning, supporters of Mbaka trooped out on the road to welcome him following his return to Adoration.
Mbaka’s supporters followed a vehicle conveying him to Adoration Ground in Umuchigbo Nike causing serious traffic gridlock along old Emene – Abakaliki road.