Diocese History

Foundation

The episcopal Synod of the Church of Nigeria Standing Committee met on 20th November, 2008 at All Saints Church Montgomery in the Diocese of Lagos mainland. The Diocese of Okigwe was created out of defunct Okigwe-North Diocese now Isi-Mbano which covered the then Archdeaconries of Onuimo and Okigwe, to evangelize Okigwe where Anglican Church came in 1976.

At the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the All Saints Cathedral Iwhreko Street in the Diocese of Ugheli on Sunday 11th January, 2007, The Ven. Edward C.D. Osuegbu Ph.D, JP was consecrated by the Most Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola (CON).

In January 13th, 2009, Diocese of Okigwe was inaugurated. The Rt Rev. Edward Chukwuemeka Divine Osuegbu Ph.D, JP was enthroned as the pioneer Bishop of Okigwe Diocese. The Cathedral Church of St Barnabas was the headquarters of the then Okigwe North Diocese and then became the headquarters of Okigwe Diocese.

Growth and Development

From 2009 to January 28th 2024 the pioneer Bishop bowed out of service, the Diocese has been waxing strong. It has expanded by birthing many baby churches, fifteen Parishes and Six Archdeaconries.

Present Leadership

At the Episcopal Synod Church of Nigeria held at St. Matthew's Anglican Church Maitama Abuja on 12th August, 2024 Ven. John Chigozie Sunday Obinali, Ph.D, was elected the second Bishop Anglican Diocese of Okigwe.

The Consecration of the Rt. Rev'd Obinali John Chigozie Sunday took place on September 18th, 2024, during the standing committee of the Church of Nigeria held at the Basilica of Grace Hillview Nike, Nike Diocese in Enugu State.

The Enthronement service of the Rt. Rev'd John Chigozie Sunday Obinali Ph.D was held on Tuesday 24th September, 2024 as the second Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Okigwe at the Cathedral Church of St Barnabas Okigwe, Imo State.

Recent Achievements

However, since the Enthronement the Diocese has recorded many achievements such as the creation of five missionary Archdeaconries and five missionary parishes. In a short time to come more Parishes and Archdeaconries will be created. To God be the glory.