Catholic Church Recalls Lagos Priest Who Banned Igbo Songs

Adewale Alfred, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese, has reinstated James Anelu, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ewu Owa, who had been placed on indefinite suspension.

In February, Anelu was suspended when he prohibited the singing of Igbo songs in his parish.

In a circular signed by Anthony Gordon, the Director of Communications for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, the Catholic church recalled Anele and directed him to reconcile with parishioners and correct his faults.

The circular read, “Following a thorough investigation, conducted in consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council, the Parish Laity Council and Ad hoc Committee set up by the Archbishop, it was discovered that the posting on the social media that brought about the administrative leave did not give a complete picture of the incident.

“Fr. James has therefore been asked to return to the Parish in order to remedy the situation created by the social media posting and bring about reconciliation and unity
in the parish.

“In the spirit of the Lenten season, he urged all the parishioners to work together in collaboration with the Parish priest for the greater glory of God and the good of the community.

“He also called upon all God’s children to remember Fr. ANELU and his parishioners in
their prayers.”