Egbuonu Installed As Second Bishop of Oji-River Diocese

By Amah Baldwin

The Rt. Reverend Joseph Ikechukwu Egbuonu, has been enthroned as the 2nd bishop of Oji-River Diocese, Anglican Communion at a service held at St Paul’s Cathedral.

He takes over from Archbishop Amos Madu, who retired last year.

The colourful ceremony held on Sunday, March 24, 2024 was greeted with profound ecstasy and thunderous ovation by the Oji-River Christian community.

It attracted the cream of the society, even as the bishop took over administration of the Diocese from the Supervising Bishop, and Bishop of Udi, the Rt. Rev’d Chijioke Augustine Aneke.

As early as 7 o’clock in the morning, Priests and parishioners trooped in from Ezeagu and Oji-River communities to participate in the event which was resoundingly impressive and colourful.

First, the congregations received the bishop’s appearance with wild jubilation.
Even when he mounted the pulpit, his sermons were punctuated by thunderous applause, indications of their confidence in his dreams and assurances for the spiritual and physical development of the Diocese of Oji-River.

Bishop Ikechukwu Egbuonu did not mince words when he declared his undiluted commitment to advance Oji-River Diocese as a citadel of excellence.

He implored the clergy, indeed all those who work in the Temple of God to remain astute and assidous in support of his programme of action, so that in no time, the Diocese would witness tremendous development in all respects.

First Lesson of the Service was delivered by the Bishop’s wife [Mama Oji-River]and President Women’s Ministry, Diocese of Oji-River, Mrs. Ifeoma Oluebube Egbuonu, while Mrs. Chekwuba Obiajulu read the Second Lesson.

Present in the Special Service were the retired Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Church, Most Rev’d Emmanuel Chukwuma and his wife, Joyce; Rt. Rev’d Chijioke Aneke, Supervisory Bishop of the Diocese of Oji-River and Bishop of Udi and his wife Mrs. Comfort Aneke; immediate past Bishop of the Diocese of Oji-River Anglican Communion, Most Rev’d Amos Amankechinelo Madu and his wife, Lady Gladys Madu; the Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Owen Nwokolo;
past Bishop of the Diocese of Awgu, Rt. Rev’d Emmanuel Ugwu and the Lord Chancellor of the Diocese, Sir, (Barr) Aham Eke-Ejelam(SAN).

Several dignitaries at the colourful enthronement event were, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah represented by Commissioner, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike; Chief Gbazueagu Nweke Gbazueagu, GNG; Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu; Member, House of Representatives, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu (Omeiheukwu); Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame (Barr) Ugochi Madueke; APGA National Chairman, Chief Eze Okenwa; Sir (Barr.) Victor Chukwudi Emeribe, Chairman Enthronement Organising Committee; Chief Chika Okafor; Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Somtochukwu Nweze and Rector Trinity Theological College, Umuahia.
The Senator representing Enugu West, Senator Osita Ngwu sent representatives, including Hon. Emeka Eze, the PDP Secretary in Enugu State. Hon. Cletus Akalusi; Chief Jeff Ukeh; Professor Marire; the Traditional Ruler of Oji-River Urban Community, HRH Igwe Oliver Okefi, Ohazuruchie; and Rector Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, Prof. (Ven.)Udobata Onunwa, among several other distinguished personalities.
Various Church Choirs, including famous Gospel singer Chinyere Udoma entertained the guests.

Major Highlights of the service were cutting of the enthronement cake and donations by visitors in support of development in the diocese.