The first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, cultural activist and spiritual leader Most Rev Dr. Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji becomes the Diokpa of Umuekeke in Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State on 7th of January 2023.
The ceremony will begin with a Holy Mass at his home town at 10am prompt.
The nonagenarian is the oldest man in his quarters. As the custom demands, he will also feed his people, Umuekeke and provide them with enough drinks today.
It will be recalled that Bishop Gbuji, while in the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku worked diligently with traditional rulers of Aniocha and Oshimili in making sure that some of rituals during title taking were waived so that interested Christians could take some traditional titles.
In Issele-Uku town, Bishop Gbuji worked with HRM Obi Rufus Osemene 111 of blessed memory and Izu-Ani-In-Council, the highest decision making body in the town in making it possible for Catholics and Christians to take Okpala title which was formerly known as Mmor title.This has made it possible for some Christians to occupy some leadership positions in the town. It has also afforded them the opportunity to attend Izu-Ani-In Council meetings.
Bishop Gbuji was later transfered to Catholic Diocese of Enugu where he retired.
While in Issele-Uku, Gbuji founded the congregation of New Evangelization Sisters, NES, St Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, Mother of Perpetual Juniorate School, Issele-Uku amongst other spiritual organisations.
He ordained many Priests including the current Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Odogwu Elue.
It is not certain yet if he will relocate from Enugu to his home town or remain in Enugu Diocese where he retired some years ago. Only time will tell.
