The Catholic Diocese of Awka, has debunked trending reports that it directed the eviction of tenants from a disputed property in Awka.The Diocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Dr. Charles Ndubisi, during a Press briefing at the Cathedral in Awka, on 14th August 2025, said the ores briefing became necessary to set the record straight and correct the wrong impression created by some trending video clips trending on social media which he described as false narratives According to the Cathedral Chancellor, the action was purely a court-ordered execution carried out by the state through the bailiff and not by the Church.He explained that the property located at No. 27 Seaman Avenue/Secretariat Road, Awka, rightfully belongs to the Catholic Diocese of Awka, but informed that one Mr. Chidi Osakwe allegedly intruded, unlawfully took possession of the. property, and rented it out to tenants without the consent of the Diocese.The Chancellor accompanied by the Deputy Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Chudi Aguinam, during the press briefing, explained that the Diocese, in the spirit of civility, humanity and due process, initiated two separate court cases — one against Osakwe and another against the unknown tenants illegally occupying the property.He further explained that both parties were duly served quit notices and, thereafter, a seven-day owner’s intention notice to vacate the premises, was also served.“For record purposes, the intruder and unknown tenants occupying the property illegally, were served quit notice by the court. There were two suits, firstly against Mr. Chidi Osakwe. The second suit was against the unknown persons in the property. We were reliably informed by our legal unit that none of these persons complied with the notices,” he stated.He highlighted that when the intruders failed to comply, the Diocese approached the court for an order of possession, and judgment was delivered in favour of the Diocese. The Chancellor hinted that subsequently, the court issued an execution order, which the state’s bailiff carried out, and further emphasized that the eviction was executed by the state in line with the court’s order and not by the church.His said, “7 days owner’s intention notice meant to recover possession was served to both the intruder and unknown persons in the house. By this notice, they were given only 7 days to vacate the said apartment.“At the expiration of the 7 days owner’s intention, the claim against Mr. Chidi Osakwe and those unknown persons was filed requesting the court to order for immediate possession of the property. The Court delivered judgment in favour of the rightful owner of the property.“Finally, there was a court order for the execution of the judgment. The bailiff, based on that, enforced and executed the judgement.”The Chancellor who disclosed that Osakwe is currently facing criminal charges before the Awka Magistrate Court, sympathized for occupants who were deceived into renting the property by Osakwe. He further revealed that some of the evicted tenants, having now known the rightful owners of the property, have approached the Diocese, signed tenancy agreements through its legal arm, and are now legitimate tenants. He urged others in similar situations to come forward and regularize their tenancy with the Diocese.“Our hands are wide open to welcome others who have not reached out to us and we encourage them to do so,” he stated, while also calling on those peddling “false narrative” on the social media about the Diocese to retrace their steps and embrace peace and dialogue.Responding to questions from journalists, the Chancellor maintained that all the evicted tenants were fully aware of the dispute from the outset, having been served all legal notices and joined as parties in the court process. He dismissed claims that the church acted without due notice, reiterating that both the judicial and executive arms of government were involved in the enforcement.Regarding the speculation that a priest of the Diocese, who was alleged to be the original owners of the disputed property before his demise, late Monsignor Martin Chukwubunna Ezeokoli, was not given a befitting burial, the Diocesan Chancellor dismissed that as “unfortunate” and “baseless.”According to him, the cleric, who opted to remain with the Awka Diocese after the creation of the Ekwulobia Diocese (where he hailed from by birth), was accorded proper burial rights in accirdance with Catholic tradition and the Diocese’s ethics.On the controversy surrounding priestly vestments (soutanes) allegedly found at the property, Fr. Ndubisi confirmed that items belonging to the late cleric, which were in Osakwe’s possession, have been recovered and secured by the Diocese. He said the discovery further illustrated Osakwe’s level of “mischievousness.”While reiterating his earlier call on those spreading false narratives on social media about the Diocese to desist and embrace peace and dialogue, the Chancellor further warned that the Diocese would take steps, within the law, to protect its image and property.In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Chudi Aguinam, commended the media for attending the briefing and for their great role in the society, while also urging them to report the matter accurately to help dispel misinformation.He further reiterated the Diocese’s commitment to transparency, resolving issue peacefully, and maintaining cordial relationships with the public.
