Fr. Okunerere hands over adoration ground to ex-governor amid land dispute

DDM News

Rev. Fr. Paul Obayi, popularly known as Fr. Okunerere, has handed over his adoration ground and all attached properties to former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The announcement followed increasing conflict and destruction around the land, which Fr. Obayi says has made the site uninhabitable for peaceful worship.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), Fr. Obayi is a prominent priest in the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Enugu State, and founder of the Okunerere Adoration Ministry.

For years, his ministry attracted thousands of worshippers from across Nigeria, seeking healing, spiritual direction, and powerful deliverance prayers.

Fr. Obayi built his reputation as a fearless preacher, known for confronting social injustices and promoting spiritual revival.

His adoration center, located in Nsukka, was not only a religious hub but also a place of refuge for the sick, poor, and broken-hearted.

However, in recent weeks, the land housing his ministry became the center of escalating conflict and legal contention.

Fr. Obayi stated that on one occasion, a woman identified as Princess Monica Otta from Abia State arrived with a bulldozer to demolish parts of the premises.

He said the water factory within the premises was the main target of the demolition.

According to him, he initially chose silence to allow peace to reign and avoid unnecessary confrontation.

However, the continued attacks and pressure made it clear that peace was no longer an option.

“I have been silent all this while for peace to reign,” he said.

“But behold, all I see is trouble left, right, and center.”

“I want to tell you one thing: we are going to leave this place.”

The priest explained that the land originally came from former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who donated it to support his ministry.

In response to the growing conflict, Fr. Obayi decided to return the land to its donor.

“Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi did well for me by giving me this land,” he said.

“I’m also going to give Ugwuanyi a gift.”

“I’m going to hand over this land to Ugwuanyi.”

“He is now the owner of this place.”

Beyond the land, Fr. Obayi said he would hand over every physical structure within it.

He listed the houses, the remains of the demolished water factory, the borehole, the fence, the crucifix, and even the statue of the Virgin Mary.

“They claim the land is theirs, and so be it,” he concluded.

Fr. Obayi’s departure marks a turning point in the religious life of Nsukka and the broader Catholic community in Enugu State.

His adoration ground was among the most attended religious centers in the southeast.

He provided support for widows, orphans, the disabled, and the mentally challenged.

Many considered his ministry a lighthouse in dark times.

Fr. Obayi’s bold teachings often attracted criticism, but he remained consistent in his mission to liberate souls through prayers and the word of God.

The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, where Fr. Obayi serves, is one of the most vibrant dioceses in southeastern Nigeria.

Nsukka, a town known for its academic excellence as the home of the University of Nigeria, also holds strong religious and cultural roots.

The people are predominantly Christian, with the Catholic Church playing a central role in their spiritual lives.

The fallout over the adoration land raises deeper questions about land ownership, political influence, and the vulnerability of religious institutions in Nigeria.

Many of Fr. Obayi’s followers expressed sadness over the decision, with some calling for immediate intervention by the Church and community leaders.

Some faithful believe this may be the beginning of a new chapter for the priest, while others fear the ministry may never regain its footing.

As the once-vibrant adoration ground becomes silent, many are left wondering what the future holds for one of Nsukka’s most charismatic priests.

Fr. Obayi’s final words carry a tone of resignation and forgiveness.

Things have clearly fallen apart, and for now, the center he once held together with prayer has been let go.

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