The Catholic Diocese of Awka has denied direct responsibility for the recent eviction of tenants and the destruction of their properties along Jerome Udorji Secretariat Road in Awka, Anambra State, instead placing the blame on a court-ordered enforcement.
The Diocese clarified that the exercise was carried out by a court bailiff with the assistance of police officers, acting on a judgment that resolved a long-standing ownership dispute in the church’s favor.
During a press conference, Reverend Father Dr. Charles Ndubisi, the Chancellor of the Diocese, stated that the church had opted for a legal and peaceful path to reclaim the property after discovering it was allegedly taken over by a man identified as Mr. Chidi Osakwe, a relative of the deceased priest who originally owned the building. The Diocese claimed Mr. Osakwe had rented the property out to tenants without authorization.
Fr. Ndubisi emphasized that the church “took the civil and humane path of seeking redress in court rather than using force,” and that the eviction occurred only after quit notices were served and a court order for execution was granted. “The Church was not involved in the enforcement,” he stressed, noting that the bailiff was solely responsible for executing the judgment.
While distancing the church from the physical act of eviction, Fr. Ndubisi expressed sympathy for the tenants who may have been misled into renting the property from an unauthorized landlord. He disclosed that the Diocese is now welcoming tenants who have come forward to sign new tenancy agreements. He urged others who were affected to do the same, stating that “our hands are wide open to welcome them.”
The chancellor also used the opportunity to caution against “false narratives” about the church being circulated on social media. He also noted that Mr. Osakwe is currently facing criminal charges related to the matter at the Awka Magistrate Court.
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