Anglican Community Worried Over Reinventing “Edy Nawgu Syndrome” at St Paul’s Church, Agulu

By Tony Okafor, Awka

Members of the Agulu Anglican Community (AAC) have raised alarm over what they describe as a looming “reinvention of the Edy Nawgu syndrome” at St Paul’s Church, Nwagu-Agulu, warning that inaction could plunge the parish into crisis.

In a strongly worded petition, the group alleged that recent developments at the church bear worrying similarities to the controversial activities associated with the late self-acclaimed prophet, Edy Nawgu, whose ministry drew widespread criticism in Anambra State in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

According to the AAC, Edy Nawgu’s influence at the time led to practices deemed unorthodox within Anglican doctrine, including contentious prophecies and actions that allegedly caused divisions.

“We all knew what happened then. Complaints were ignored until it became a major embarrassment to the church,” the petition stated. “We do not want a repeat of that episode in Agulu.”

The AAC, an umbrella body for Anglicans in Agulu, said it felt compelled to speak out to prevent what it termed an “existential threat from within,” arising from the actions of a certain priest at St Paul’s Church.

While commending the Diocese for constituting an investigative panel, the group described the move as timely and reflective of proactive leadership.

“A stitch in time saves nine,” the community noted, expressing hope that their grievances would receive due attention.

The AAC highlighted the historical importance of St Paul’s Church, describing it as a foundational missionary outpost that played a pivotal role in spreading Anglicanism across Agulu and the wider Aguata axis.

Over the years, the community said it had collectively invested in the development of the church, including the construction of schools and commercial shops on the premises, largely funded by members and the Agulu Anglican Women Association.

However, the AAC alleged that the priest’s actions have disrupted the long-standing peace and cooperative management of the facilities.

Central to the complaints are claims that the priest has introduced practices and administrative decisions that have negatively affected the operations of the schools within the church compound.

The community alleged that midweek daytime crusades and adorations conducted during school hours have interfered with academic activities, leading to a decline in student enrollment and raising health concerns due to overcrowding and poor sanitation during such gatherings.

They further accused the cleric of engaging in confrontations with community leaders, including threats and verbal abuse directed at individuals who attempted to intervene.

The AAC warned that the continued presence of the priest could deepen divisions among Anglican faithful in Agulu and potentially lead to physical confrontations.

“The unity we have built over the years is under threat. If this persists, it may become difficult for the church to function cohesively,” the group stated.

Consequently, the community has called on diocesan authorities to transfer the priest from Agulu to restore peace and stability.

“We have endured these developments for a considerable period. For peace to reign, we earnestly request his redeployment,” the petition concluded.

As of press time, the Awka Diocese had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.