A church in Imo State, Nigeria, was shut down by its youth members, who were protesting a petition against their pastor, Reverend Obinna Nwoko.
Filed by the Odionyemma family, the petition alleged misconduct by the pastor, specifically that he had incorporated traditional practices into his sermons by ending prayers with “Ofor,” a staff of authority in Igbo society.
The youth members, who locked out other church members and sealed the premises, claimed the allegations were untrue and motivated by the family’s desire to exert control over the church.
According to Kingsley Asuzu, President of the church’s youth fellowship, the family had been trying to influence the church for a long time, and the petition was just an attempt to embarrass the pastor.
The church’s leadership has declined to comment on the matter, stating that it is being handled by the apex leadership of the Assemblies of God Church, Nigeria. The police have also not commented on the situation.
