Non Recognition Of Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah
OpenLife Nigeria reports that the Assumption Commandery of the Knights of St. John’s International under the Roman Catholic Church in Nnewi has formally expelled Sir James Louis Okoye following an investigation into his conduct at a church event held on January 14, 2026.
The decision was conveyed in a letter dated January 21, 2026, signed by the President of the Assumption Commandery, Sir Noble Cyprian Egbosi.
According to the leadership of the order, the expulsion became necessary after careful review of Okoye’s actions, which were considered contrary to the values and discipline of the Catholic Church and the Knights of St. John’s International.
REASONS FOR EXPULSION
The letter outlined three major grounds for Sir James Louis Okoye’s expulsion:
His public denunciation of the Roman Catholic Church
His resort to apostasy (open rejection of the Christian faith)
Conduct unbecoming of a Knight of St. John’s International
The commandery stated that these actions violate the oath and moral code expected of members of the Catholic fraternal order.
DIRECTIVES ISSUED TO OKOYE
Following his expulsion, Sir James Louis Okoye has been instructed to immediately desist from laying claim to any rights and privileges of the Knights of St. John’s International. This includes:
Stopping the use of the title “Sir”
Ceasing to wear any uniform, regalia, or insignia of the order
Submitting all properties belonging to the Knights in his possession
The leadership warned that failure to comply with these directives would attract further disciplinary and legal measures.
What Sir James Louis Okoye Did On January 14
The disciplinary action is linked to an incident that occurred during the dedication ceremony of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi, on January 14.
During the event, Sir James Louis Okoye reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction over what he perceived as inadequate recognition of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who was said to have made significant contributions to the construction of the cathedral.
Eyewitnesses stated that Okoye openly protested inside the church, removed symbols associated with his knighthood, and publicly declared that he was renouncing Christianity. His outburst caused a stir among worshippers and clergy present at the ceremony.
CHURCH’S POSITION
The Catholic authorities in Nnewi later clarified that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was duly acknowledged as a benefactor of the cathedral and that his name was included in official records and commemorative materials. The Church described Okoye’s actions as a serious breach of Catholic doctrine and church discipline.
WIDER REACTIONS
The incident and subsequent expulsion have generated widespread reactions within church circles and on social media. While some sympathized with Okoye’s grievance, many have condemned his method of protest, describing it as disrespectful and inappropriate for a knight of the Catholic Church.
The Assumption Commandery reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the principles of the Catholic faith and maintaining discipline among its members, stressing that no form of public renunciation or misconduct will be tolerated.
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