Ejike Mbaka, an outspoken Catholic Priest has announced the shutdown of his Adoration Ministry following the controversy surrounding his recent disappearance and appearance.
The priest made the announcement on Tuesday in a notice stating that the activities of the ministry will remain at standstill for the next month while he embarks on a “personal prayer retreat.”
It was gathered that the development may not be unconnected with an earlier directive of the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, His Grace, Callistus Onaga, when he invited the charismatic priest for a meeting last week.
Recall that at a meeting held at the Bishop’s court, Igboeze Street, Independence Layout, with other leaders of the church in Enugu, it was resolved that Mbaka should take one month off his duties to “any place of choice for a retreat”, following an alleged brewing conflict between him and the Buhari administration over his comments on the situation of the country.
It was reported that Mbaka suddenly went “missing” after the meeting, leading to an angry reaction by members of the Adoration Ministry of Nigeria (AMEN). The protesting group attacked the residence of the Bishop as well as the Holy Ghost Cathedral Church and destroyed several properties belonging to the church in the guise of demanding his release.
However, Mbaka profusely apologized for the action of his members and pleaded for forgiveness from the Bishop and Catholic Church for the behavior of his followers and himself during a mass at the Adoration ground in Emene, Enugu.
In a statement signed and released by Mbaka’s Spokesperson, Maximum Ugwuoke,on Tuesday, activities at the Adoration ground will be suspended for the next one month.
The statement read: “Our Spiritual Director, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka wishes to inform his beloved adorers that he has embarked on a private prayer retreat that will end on 10th June 2021.
“Consequently, no ministry activities shall be held in the ministry ground pending his return.
“He directs that members of the ministry are to observe this period of his retreat as they used to do during the usual January breaks of the ministry, by praying at their homes, being charitable and fasting according to their ability. Adoration! Holy Spirit is our Power.”