Historic Consecration of 15 New Bishops in Nigeria
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) made history on Sunday, November 9, 2025, when it consecrated 15 new bishops during a grand ecclesiastical ceremony held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Gwarinpa, Abuja. The event was presided over by the Primate of the Church, the Most Revd Henry C. Ndukuba, and attracted over 100 bishops and archbishops from across the country.
Among the notable attendees was the Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, the Most Revd Dr Laurent Mbanda, who also serves as Chairman of the Primates’ Council of the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans. In addition to religious leaders, legal experts, government officials, and senior church officers were present, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
A Call to Shepherding and Spiritual Integrity
In his address to the newly consecrated bishops, Archbishop Ndukuba emphasized the importance of embodying the true spirit of shepherding, following the example of Christ, the “Chief Shepherd.” He urged them to be “shepherds and not wolves,” reminding them to feed the flock and avoid devouring it. His message included a call to seek the lost, uphold the weak, restore health to the sick, lift the downtrodden, and ensure discipline while never forgetting mercy.
During the service, the Most Revd Edmund Akanya delivered a powerful sermon, drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:13-16. He encouraged the bishops to be beacons of light in their respective dioceses, emphasizing the need to maintain spiritual integrity. “Guard your spiritual relevance,” he charged. “Do not allow money, sexual temptation, or the influence of powerful people to compromise your calling or diminish your authority. Let your life shine boldly for Christ, standing for truth, purity, humility, love, and holiness.”
The Newly Consecrated Bishops
The 15 bishops who were consecrated include:
- The Rt. Rev. Samuel Ogunmiluyi
- The Rt. Rev. Francis Bankole
- The Rt. Rev. Boma Briggs
- The Rt. Rev. Dr Adewole Ajayi
- The Rt. Rev. Richard N. Okpara
- The Rt. Rev. Dr Benjamin Idume
- The Rt. Rev. Bode Otenaike
- The Rt. Rev. David Michson
- The Rt. Rev. Dr Paul Dajur
- The Rt. Rev. Dr Luka B. Allu
- The Rt. Rev. Ifeanyi Akunna
- The Rt. Rev. Dr Ebenezer Familoni
- The Rt. Rev. Solomon Adewumi
- The Rt. Rev. Rika G. Ibrahim
- The Rt. Rev. Dr Ayuba Kanta
These bishops were elected during the Church’s Standing Committee meeting held on September 18, 2025, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
A Promising Future for the Church
Bishop Familoni, one of the consecrated bishops, will oversee the soon-to-be inaugurated Oyo South Missionary Diocese. He pledged to lead with the fear of God, reflecting his deep commitment to spiritual leadership. Before his ordination as a priest, Bishop Familoni served as an altar server for more than 25 years, and his ministry has been characterized by excellence and unwavering dedication to service.
The consecration of these 15 bishops marked a significant expansion of the church’s episcopal leadership, signaling both growth and a strategic spread of the gospel. This milestone reflects the Church of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence and impact across the nation.