The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has elected bishops for the Diocese of Irele/Ese-Odo and 14 of its newly created dioceses. The elections took place during the Episcopal Synod of the House of Bishops, held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesha, Ado-Ekiti, in the Diocese of Ekiti.
Announcing the outcome, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, confirmed the election of 15 clergymen to shepherd the new dioceses, following an opening eucharistic service.
The new bishops-elect are:
Full-Fledged Dioceses
1. Irele/Ese-Odo – Venerable Samuel Ogunmiluyi
2. Ekiti South – Venerable Francis Bankole
3. Kalabari – Venerable Boma Briggs
4. Lagos South West – Venerable Dr. Adewole Ajayi
5. Omoku – Venerable Richard N. Okpara
6. Ozoro – Venerable Dr. Benjamin Idume
Missionary Dioceses
1. Idanre – Venerable Bode Otenaike
2. Ikom – Venerable David Michson
3. Keffi – Venerable Dr. Paul Dajur
4. Nasarawa – Venerable Dr. Luka B. Allu
5. Ogoja – Venerable Ifeanyi Akunna
6. Oyo South – Venerable Dr. Ebenezer Familoni
7. Oyun – Venerable Solomon Adewumi
8. Takum – Rev’d Canon Rika G. Ibrahim
9. Zuru – Venerable Dr. Ayuba Kanta
It will be recalled that the Standing Committee of the Church recently approved the creation of five full-fledged dioceses and 10 missionary dioceses.
The Primate explained that the election of a bishop for the Missionary Diocese of Eket has been deferred due to the sudden demise of the Bishop of Uyo Diocese, from which the new diocese is being carved.
Archbishop Ndukuba urged the faithful to uphold the bishops-elect and their families in prayers as they prepare for their new assignments. He emphasized the need for the new leaders to continually seek God’s guidance in discharging their responsibilities.
He also disclosed that the consecration of the bishops-elect will take place on November 9, 2025, in Abuja, while the dates for the inauguration of the new dioceses and the enthronement of their bishops will be announced in due course.