Igbo Songs: Archbishop Martins Recalls Fr James Anelu, Calls for Unity, Prayers

Following investigations of events leading to the suspension of the Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ewu Owa, Gberigbe in Ikorodu, Lagos, Rev Fr James Anelu, over a viral video in which the priest was purported to have banned Igbo choruses in the parish, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev Adewale Martins has recalled the priest and reinstated him to his office.

This was contained in a press statement signed by Rev Fr Anthony Godonu, the Director of Social Communications, Lagos Archdiocese.

According to the statement reinstating the suspended priest, “the posting on the social media that brought about the administrative leave did not give a complete picture of the incident”.

The full statement reads:

“The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has recalled Rev. Fr. James ANELU, the Parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ewu Owa from the indefinite administrative leave to which he was sent on Feb. 7th 2022. Fr. ANELU proceeded on the leave following allegations that he banned the singing of Igbo songs in the Parish.

“Following a thorough investigation, conducted in consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council, the Parish Laity Council and Ad hoc Committee set up by the Archbishop, it was discovered that the posting on the social media that brought about the administrative leave did not give a complete picture of the incident.

“Fr. James has therefore been asked to return to the Parish in order to remedy the situation created by the social media posting and bring about reconciliation and unity in the parish. In the spirit of the Lenten season, he urged all the parishioners to work together in collaboration with the Parish priest for the greater glory of God and the good of the community.

“He also called upon all God’s children to remember Fr. ANELU and his parishioners in their prayers”.