NewsReligionNigerians React To Fr. Anelu’s Prohibition Of Igbo Songs In His Parish

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LAGOS — James Anelu, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church Ewu-Owa Gberigbe in Ikorodu, Lagos, stunned his parishioners when he angrily halted the choir midway into a song, sung in Igbo, during the second collection at mass last Sunday.
In his annoyance, he prohibited the singing of Igbo gospel songs in the church, with the justification that he was initially stopped from presiding over a burial mass in Awo Omama, Imo State because he could not speak Igbo.
His announcement was opposed by parish members. However, the priest stood his ground and threatened members with the “wrath of God”.
The Catholic Church has reacted by giving Rev. Fr. Anelu an indefinite leave of absence, effective Febrary 8, pending when all investigations on the issue will be concluded.
Following the development, a number of people have taken to various platforms to share their opinion on the matter.
Journalist, Moji Danisa stood by the priest and accused Igbos of always trying to “colonise” anywhere they go.
Women rights activist, Laila St. Matthew-Daniel then weighed in, defending Danisa. She accused Igbos of being “domineering” and wanting to take over wherever they find themselves. She added that the Igbos are no different from “fanatical Muslims”.
Some reactions by other Nigerians:
“I hope Igbos start thinking positively rather than develop places they found themselves they should go back and develop Igbo land first. Because the way they attack them in Nigeria even in a church should be an eye-opener for them.”
“The Igbos overdo everything. I think it’s borne out of a historical collective tribal inferiority complex. I tire for them. Oh and I am married to an Anambra man so I know what I am saying!!”
“Like St Mary’s Catholic Church Isolo became very Igbotic overnight.”
“That priest is irresponsible and must not be allowed anywhere close to leadership ever again. And for the records, Igbos are the main bodies of Catholic church in Nigeria. Priest want to chase Major customers of Catholic church away? Igbos are the fuel pump of the Catholic church in Nigeria take it or leave it.”
“Watin tribe don cause for this world too much na wa oo? Why the other tribe for the church no sing them song also because I Belive say na mix tribe Dey the choir.”
“Imagine threatening them with the wrath of God…..very good move by the Archbishop on the suspension. Rubb*ish.”
“Then, the solution is not to ban Igbo songs. He should have advised the choir coordinator to incorporate songs from other tribes na! Life shouldn’t be this complicated.”
By Ezinwanne Onwuka (Senior Reporter)

One comment

  • Avatar
    Marcel Ibe

    February 9, 2022 at 2:44 pm

    As a Catholic, I am aware that a Rev Father is completely in charge of his parish. If this Rev. father is not harboring a morbid hatred for the Igbos like those other Nigerians blindly supporting him, what prevented him from advising his choir master and choristers privately to limit the use of Igbo songs in liturgy? Again what is the crime of Bishiop Akabueze in all of this?
    What of Latin and English? Are they languages indigenous to his geographical location for his evil spirit to have recognized them and continue their use in celebrating and singing mass hymns?
    So “the spirit of God can recognize only languages indigenous to that geographical location”, but the same spirit does not reject monies, offertories and gifts from people who speak languages not indigenous to that geographical location?
    When Igbos complain that they are hated everywhere and in every thing in this place called NIGERIA and want to opt out, Nigerians will cry blue murder and yet want to keep them and continue to discriminate against them over trumped up charges and allegations. It’s a matter of Time. Time will Tell.

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