Methodist Church Elects Otuekong, 3 Others As Archbishops At Ibadan Biennial Confab

By NSAN NDOMA-NEJI, Calabar 

The Methodist Church Nigeria has elected Rt. Rev'd Barr. Ukut Otuekong and three other Bishops to the rank of Archbishop at its 50th/15th Biennial Conference that took place in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The elevation was approved by the Conference Electoral College and announced by the Prelate, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, JP.

Otuekong, who was elected as Archbishop of Calabar Archdiocese, led the list of the four newly elevated Archbishops.

The others are Rt. Rev'd Dr. Samuel R. Nortey elected for the newly created Edo Delta Archdiocese, Rt. Rev'd Dr. Oladapo O. Babalola for Ilesa Archdiocese, and Rt. Rev'd Sunday Eze for Okigwe Archdiocese.

The Prelate said the elevation "marks a new chapter in the leadership of their respective ecclesiastical jurisdictions" and places on the new Archbishops the responsibility of providing "wider episcopal oversight, visionary leadership and spiritual direction" at a time of growth and expansion for the Church.

The Ibadan Biennial Confab, which hinged on the theme "I WILL FIGHT FOR YOU" - Exodus 14:14, also elected 19 new Bishops to superintend both existing and newly created Dioceses such as Taabaa, Calabar North, Eko Atlantic, Festac, Ketu West, Asaba and Ikwuano South, among others.

In a related development, the Conference approved the translation of three serving Archbishops and 13 Bishops to new ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

The Archbishops affected are Dr. Akinlase Akindeko from Ilesa to Ifaki, Dr. Effiong Esedeke from Port Harcourt to the newly created Bori Archdiocese, and Chimezuo Nwankpa from Calabar to Port Harcourt.

Announcing the outcome, the Prelate gave glory to God for a peaceful and orderly process, stressing that episcopal leadership is ultimately "a call to service, stewardship and accountability before God and His Church."

The decisions are expected to strengthen pastoral administration and advance the Methodist mission across Nigeria.