By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Sir James Louis Okoye, the former Catholic Knight of St. John International who attracted attention in January this year after publicly renouncing Christianity over the alleged failure of the Catholic Church to recognise the contribution of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the construction of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi, has again stirred controversy after being arrested by local vigilante operatives in the town.
Okoye, now popularly known as “Akachaam” or “Ebube Anaedo” was reportedly apprehended after he was seen moving through parts of Nnewi on Saturday in a red outfit, with a fresh palm frond between his lips and a bell in his hand, while carrying out what he described as a spiritual cleansing exercise for the town.
The unusual appearance and display attracted the attention of residents and passersby, some of whom gathered to watch and discuss the activity.
This was corroborated by a video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, showing Okoye moving through the streets in the attire as he carried out what he described as a cleansing of Nnewi land.
Another man dressed in black was also seen at one of the roundabouts making unusual movements, although it was not immediately clear whether he was participating in Okoye’s exercise or was acting independently.
In the latter part of the video, Okoye was seen seated on the floor at what appeared to be a vigilante office while being questioned by the operatives.
Responding to questions, he described himself as a priest from Oraeri lineage who came to Nnewi many years ago and said he was undertaking the exercise because, in his view, the land had been desecrated.
He insisted that he had committed no offence, arguing that the exercise was intended for the good of Nnewi and that there is no any law known to him that prohibits spiritual cleansing.
When asked who authorised him to undertake the exercise, Okoye claimed that he had obtained permission from the traditional ruler of Nnewi, H.R.H. Igwe Kenneth Orizu, two Sundays earlier.
Although, the claim, could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report, and it was not immediately clear whether the traditional ruler or the palace had issued any public confirmation of the alleged authorisation.
The latest development comes months after Okoye became a prominent figure in Nnewi following his dramatic protest during the dedication of the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in January.
During the ceremony, Okoye, then a member of the Knights of St John International, publicly expressed anger over what he perceived as the failure of the Catholic Church to adequately recognise the immense contribution of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to the cathedral project.
He subsequently removed his shoes and knighthood cap while leaving the church premises and declared that he was done with Christianity. He also used the expression “Akachaam”, which subsequently became associated with him.
His action generated considerable controversy, with the Knights of St John International later expelling him from the organisation following the incident. Contemporary reports also recorded the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi’s response to the controversy and the wider debate over Ubah’s contribution to the cathedral project.
Okoye’s religious journey took another turn in April this year when reports emerged that he had undergone traditional initiation rites and was elevated to the position of “Senior Bishop” in the indigenous religious movement known as Omenala Bụ Eziokwu Na Ndụ, translated as “Tradition is Truth and Life.” The initiation was reportedly officiated by traditionalist Mathias Ezeaku.
The latest incident has again generated fresh reactions among residents and social media users, with differing opinions over the meaning of Okoye’s activities, the legality of the exercise and his claim that it was authorised by the traditional ruler.
While some reactions have questioned the unusual public display, others have argued that the matter should be viewed within the context of religious or traditional freedom, provided no law has been violated.
As of the time of filing this report, it remained unclear whether Okoye had been released by the vigilante operatives, where exactly he was being held or whether any formal charge had been brought against him.
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