By Our Correspondent
There was widespread jubilation in parts of Agulu, Anambra State, following reports that an Anglican priest at the centre of a prolonged controversy in the community may soon be transferred out of the town.
Community sources told our correspondent that the development followed months of tension between sections of the congregation, the Agulu Anglican Community, youths and parents, over the style of worship and administrative conduct associated with the priest.
Although church authorities have not issued an official public statement confirming the transfer, multiple insiders within the diocese said the move is being considered for July as part of routine pastoral postings.
A senior cleric within the ecclesiastical structure, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that discussions had reached an advanced stage.
“There is strong indication that the matter has been addressed at the diocesan level, and a reassignment is likely within the next round of postings,” the source said.
The controversy surrounding the priest reportedly escalated in recent months after members of the Agulu Anglican Community( AAC) wrote formal petitions to diocesan authorities, accusing him of adopting what they described as “unorthodox and anti-Anglican practices” in the discharge of his duties.
Some community members also alleged that regular midweek religious programmes, particularly Wednesday gatherings described as crusade-like services, had significantly disrupted academic activities in a school located within the church premises.
A parent whose children attend the affected school said the situation had become “unbearable.” According to her, “Wednesdays are no longer normal school days. Pupils lose valuable academic time, and when concerns are raised, they are either ignored or dismissed. We had to petition the diocese because the children’s education was being affected.”
Youth groups in the community also staged protests recently, demanding urgent intervention by church authorities. They accused the priest of running church activities in a manner they said was increasingly divisive and disruptive to community order.
A youth leader, speaking during one of the demonstrations, said: “We respect the church, but what is happening here is no longer in line with what we know. The disruption of school activities and community peace cannot continue.”
The matter, it was gathered, was subsequently reviewed by a committee set up by the diocese to investigate the complaints.
Sources familiar with the process said presentations were made by different stakeholders, including representatives of the community, church officials, and school authorities.
Following the review, optimism appears to have grown within the community that a resolution may be imminent, with some residents expressing relief over the possibility of a transfer, describing it as a step toward restoring calm.
“We are not fighting the church,” another resident said. “We only want peace, stability, and respect for the community’s educational environment.”
However, church authorities have maintained silence publicly, with officials declining to confirm or deny reports of an impending transfer when contacted.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the local Anglican community has renewed its call for transparency and improved communication between diocesan authorities and the laity, insisting that such disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than prolonged tension.
As the community awaits an official announcement, residents say they are hopeful that the situation will soon be resolved in a manner that restores harmony between the church, schools, and the wider Agulu community.
