By Ifeizu Joe
The Knight of St John International, has apologized to the Catholic Church over the actions of one of its members, Sir James Louis Okoye, who called out the church for dedicating Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi without recognizing Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Okoye is a now viral video had after the dedication of the edifice removed his shoes and cap which constitute his knighthood costumes and renounced christianity because of what he deemed the actions of the church.
In the video, Okoye 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 not was he honoured.
This has sparked lots of arguments online and offline. While some people condemned his hasty action, others believed he was right, which condemning the church for disregarding Ubah.
Meanwhile, the Knight of St John International in a press release by its Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria, Sir Joachim Chuks Amamgbo has condemned the action of its member.
In the press release dates January 15, 2026, with the caption disclaimer, the order said it is already looking into the matter, while also apologizing to the church and it’s leaders.
The release 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.”
