Cathedral Controversy: Catholic Knight Renounces Faith Over Alleged Snub Of Late Ifeanyi Ubah
Faith, gratitude and legacy collided dramatically in Nnewi on Wednesday as the inauguration of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral turned into a moment of public protest that has since ignited nationwide debate.
A Knight of the Catholic Church, Sir James Louise, popularly known as Ebube Anaedo, stunned worshippers and online audiences alike after openly renouncing Christianity during the cathedral’s inauguration Mass.
His action followed what he described as the Church’s failure to acknowledge the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s pivotal contributions to the cathedral’s construction.
In a now-viral video, the visibly distraught knight was seen in tears moments after the ceremony, lamenting that Senator Ubah’s name was neither mentioned in the inauguration programme nor acknowledged verbally, despite his substantial financial and material support for the project.
In an emotional outburst, Sir Louise removed his shoes and cap, symbols of his knighthood, before declaring his exit from the Christian faith.
“This is my last day as a Christian. I am done. How can a cathedral that Ifeanyi Ubah worked so hard to build be inaugurated without mentioning his name even once?” he cried.
The incident has triggered intense reactions on social media, with many users accusing the Catholic Church of erasing the late senator’s legacy, while others criticised the knight’s dramatic response.
As of the time of filing this report, the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi had yet to issue an official statement.
Investigations by Savinews Africa revealed that Senator Ubah initiated the cathedral project and reportedly funded it up to about 85 per cent completion, including roofing and window installations, before work was halted.
Sources say the situation changed following the posting of a new Bishop, Most Rev. Dr Jonas-Benson Okoye, to the diocese in 2022.
The bishop was said to have asked the senator to channel further funds through the diocesan office, a request Ubah allegedly declined, leading to his withdrawal from the project.
Community sources insist that regardless of later developments, the late senator’s contributions remain foundational and deserving of recognition.
As the controversy deepens, the incident raises broader questions about transparency, recognition, and how institutions manage the legacies of their benefactors, even beyond death.
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