A church member, James Louise Okoye, made headlines on Wednesday after publicly renouncing his Christian faith during the dedication ceremony of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese Cathedral.
In a video that quickly went viral on social media, Okoye was seen shouting inside the cathedral, expressing frustration at what he described as the church’s failure to acknowledge former Anambra South Senatorial District lawmaker, Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away in July 2024. During the outburst, he repeatedly declared that it was his final day as a Christian, exclaiming, “My last day as a Christian. My last day as a Christian is today.”
Okoye’s protest was sparked by the omission of the late politician’s name during Mass. He emphasized that Ubah had played a significant role in supporting the construction of the cathedral before his death. Speaking to fellow church members present, Okoye asked why the clergy had not prayed for the lawmaker, questioning, “Did you hear them say, may the soul of Ifeanyi Ubah rest in peace?”
The incident has drawn attention online, with many users expressing surprise at the intensity of Okoye’s reaction. Some observers sympathized with his frustration, noting that Ubah’s contributions to the community and to the cathedral’s construction were substantial and well-known, while others criticized the public display during a solemn church event.
The church has yet to issue an official statement addressing Okoye’s renunciation or the omission of the former senator’s name during the dedication ceremony. The video continues to circulate widely on social media, reigniting conversations about how churches honor notable community members and the expectations of congregants during official religious events.
