By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Knight of St John International (KSJ) has apologized to the Catholic Church over the outburst of one of its members, Sir James Louis Okoye, during the dedication of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi, Anambra State on Wednesday.

Okoye who removed his Knight hat with shoes in hand decried a situation where recognition was not accorded late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah for the role he played in the Cathedral building up to 80%.

In a viral video making the rounds on social media, the knight was seen walking out of the church premises with his shoes in his hand and saying: “Akachalam! (meaning, ‘I won't worship again’). I'm done with Christianity; this is my last day of being a Christian. This is not right, Ifeanyi Uba Ndo ooo. Ìfeanyi Ubah ndoo, (English interpretation: “Ifeany Ubah, sorry oo”). Ifeanyi Ubah is not resting in peace.”

He contended that the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who represented Anambra South Senatorial Zone had constructed the cathedral up to 85 percent, but his name was not mentioned nor honoured.

This has sparked lots of arguments online and offline, as some people condemned his hasty action, while others believed he was right, condemning the church action.

Meanwhile, the Knight of St John International in a statement by its Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria, Sir Joachim Chuks Amamgbo condemned the action.

The statement dated January 15, 2026, with the caption disclaimer said that it is already looking into the matter, but however apologized to the church and it’s leaders.

The statement read: “The attention of the Knights of St John International, Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria has been drawn to the very unfortunate incident that occurred in Nnewi Diocese during the solemn dedication of the Cathedral on Wednesday, 14th January 2026 involving one Mr. James Okoye.

“The individual’s actions are clearly not in line with the values and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church nor those of the Knights of St John International for whom filial respect for the church and her clergy is sacrosanct.

"We totally condemn this very unusual behaviour and assure the church that the leadership of the Order in Nigeria Is presently addressing the incident in the most serious of manners, and in line with the disciplinary provisions of our Constitution.

“We apologize to our spiritual fathers and the church for the obvious embarrassment and do hereby reaffirm our commitment to upholding the ideals of service, spirituality, discipline, charity, honour, and respect for which our Order Is known.”

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