Catholic Church Recalls Priest Suspended For Banning Igbo Songs In Parish| SEE REASON

The Catholic Church, Lagos Archdiocese has recalled the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ewu-Owa, Gberigbe in Ikorodu, Rev. Fr. James Anelu, who was suspended after he banned Igbo songs in his parish.

ALL FACTS NEWSPAPER had reported that the priest during a Sunday church service, halted an offering session, fuming over the dominating Igbo songs in the parish. READ HERE

A trending video of the moment had sparked reactions leading to a disclaimer by Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Martins, and subsequently the priest was sent on an indefinite leave of absence in February. READ HERE

Announcing his reinstatement on Wednesday, March 9, as the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Director of Social Communications, Lagos Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, said;

“The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has recalled Rev. Fr. James ANELU, the Parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ewu Owa from the indefinite administrative leave to which he was sent on Feb. 7th 2022. Fr. ANELU proceeded on the leave following allegations that he banned the singing of Igbo songs in the Parish.

 “Following a thorough investigation, conducted in consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council, the Parish Laity Council and Ad hoc Committee set up by the Archbishop, it was discovered that the posting on the social media that brought about the administrative leave did not give a complete picture of the incident.

“Fr. James has therefore been asked to return to the Parish in order to remedy the situation created by the social media posting and bring about reconciliation and unity in the parish.

“In the spirit of the Lenten season, he urged all the parishioners to work together in collaboration with the Parish priest for the greater glory of God and the good of the community.

“He also called upon all God’s children to remember Fr. Anelu and his parishioners in their prayers.”