Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki Denies Priest Marriage Rumors: Clarification on Celibacy Allegations

The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki in Ebonyi State has responded to recent rumors about one of its priests allegedly breaking his vow of celibacy. Reports circulated claiming that Rev. Fr. Jude Obasi married his partner on May 25 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Abakaliki, where he is said to be from Afikpo North Local Government Area.

The diocese has issued a statement dismissing these rumors. According to Diocesan Chancellor Rev. Fr. Matthew Opoke, the claims are false. Key points from the statement include:

• There is no priest named Rev. Fr. Jude Obasi in the diocese.
• The person shown in the viral photograph does not match any of the diocese’s priests.
• Saint Mary’s Catholic Church is not part of the diocese’s parishes.
• No such marriage event occurred in the specified location or timeframe.

Rev. Fr. Opoke criticized the misleading report, suggesting it was created by a blogger seeking to gain social media traction.

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Civil rights activist Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie also condemned the false report, noting that it undermines the integrity of the Catholic Church and spreads misinformation. He referred to such actions as “social manipulation” or “social falsehood.”

THE WHISTLER has provided this clarification to combat the spread of misinformation online.