After Peter Nworie Chukwu passed away, the Catholic Church named Ernest Anaezichukwu Obodo as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Abakaliki.
The Dicastery for Evangelization, operating under Pope Leo XIV’s authority, announced the appointment via a decree.
According to the order dated April 12, 2026, Bishop Chukwu’s passing left the episcopal see of Abakaliki vacant.
The decision states that Bishop Obodo, who is currently the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Enugu, shall oversee the Abakaliki Diocese’s operations during the vacancy and at the Holy See’s discretion.
According to the Vatican, the appointment was decided following thorough deliberation and in compliance with the unique authority bestowed by the Pope.
Bishop Obodo has been given all the authority and duties required by canon law to manage the diocese while a substantive bishop is being appointed in his capacity as Apostolic Administrator.
Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference received the announcement in a letter written by Secretary General Fr. Michael Banjo.
The proclamation, which ended Bishop Chukwu’s episcopal leadership in the Abakaliki Diocese, called his death “pious.”
Bishop Obodo is anticipated to oversee the diocese’s administrative and spiritual operations as a result of this event, guaranteeing pastoral activities continue until the Holy See appoints a new bishop.
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