The Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has addressed allegations linking him to controversies involving preacher Ebuka Obi and the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah.
Speaking during a gathering at the ministry’s prayer ground in Enugu, Mbaka dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting he was responsible for the closure of a stadium and the arrest of individuals distributing flyers for a one-day programme organised by Ebuka Obi’s ministry.
According to the cleric, the accusations were unfounded and misrepresented his role in the matter.
“I Am an Apostle of Love”
Mbaka described himself as “an apostle of love,” stressing that his ministry is rooted in the principle of Agape love and unity among ministers of God.
“I am an apostle of love. I believe in agape love and I love ministers of God. People should stop fighting where there is no fight,” he said.
He urged members of the Adoration Ministry, popularly known as Adorers, not to insult Ebuka Obi or any other minister of God.
“Do not insult Ebuka Obi. He is my son, and Adorers are known for respect and love,” Mbaka told the congregation.
The priest also cited several ministers with whom he maintains cordial relationships, including Chima Aninwene, Adazion and Minister Nkem.
He further mentioned gospel singers Gozie Okeke, Chinyere Udoma and Rosemary Chukwu, describing them as his spiritual sons and daughters.
“I love them all,” he said.
Stadium Controversy
Addressing the stadium issue, Mbaka said certain procedures must be followed when organising large public religious gatherings.
“There are things you don’t just say or do because you can,” he stated.
According to him, Ebuka Obi, whom he described as a Catholic brother, should have sought proper permission from church authorities such as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Callistus Valentine Onaga, the auxiliary bishop Ernest Obodo, the priest in charge of the stadium, and the state authorities.
Mbaka also referred to Governor Peter Mbah as the “001 of Enugu State,” emphasising that the governor, as the state’s chief executive, has authority over government facilities.
“The governor has the absolute power to lock up the stadium if he wants,” he said.
The cleric insisted that linking him to the closure of the venue or the arrest of individuals sharing flyers was incorrect.
Clarification on Foot-Washing Incident
Mbaka also responded to critics who claimed he endorsed Ebuka Obi by washing his feet and granting him spiritual authority.
He explained that the incident occurred during the Catholic Church’s Holy Thursday liturgical celebration, an annual event symbolising humility and service.
According to him, the Catholic tradition involves selecting twelve people whose feet are washed, reflecting the biblical account of Jesus Christ washing the feet of His disciples.
Mbaka said Ebuka Obi was among those selected at the time because he served as the Lagos zonal leader within the Adoration Ministry.
“That was simply part of the Holy Thursday solemnity,” Mbaka explained, noting that the ritual represents Christ’s example of humility and servant leadership.
Assignment from the Church
The priest further stated that he was instructed by church authorities to ask Ebuka Obi to remove certain pictures and stickers relating to him from his social media platforms.
According to Mbaka, Obi declined to comply with the request.
“I called him to remove those pictures and stickers from his social media handles, but he refused,” Mbaka said.
He added that even after returning from a monastery retreat, Obi neither visited him nor responded to his calls.
Mbaka also noted that another cleric, Fr. Camillus, could confirm the matter.
“He is still alive; you can verify from him,” he added.
Call for Humility
The cleric further emphasised the importance of humility in ministry, citing a proverb to illustrate his message.
“The way up is down, and the way down is up,” Mbaka said, describing it as an ancient wisdom teaching that humility leads to elevation while pride may lead to downfall.
Response to Social Media Criticism
Mbaka also lamented the criticisms directed at him online, saying many people were attacking him for actions he did not take.
“A lot of people on social media are criticising me for what I did not do,” he said.
He concluded by reaffirming that the Adoration ground remains a purely ecclesiastical centre dedicated to prayer, charity and worship, while urging Christians to focus on unity rather than controversy.
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