Imo Church Sealed as Youths Protest Petition Against Pastor

Drama in Imo as Church Youths Lock Out Congregation Over Pastor’s Petition

A church in Owerri, Imo State, was shut down on Sunday as youth members of the Assemblies of God Church, Zion Family staged a protest against a petition filed against their pastor, Reverend Obinna Nwoko.

The protesting youths, who arrived early, barricaded the church entrance, preventing worshippers from entering and forcing the cancellation of the service.

Why the Youths Took Action

The protest was triggered by a petition from the Odionyemma family accusing the pastor of using the Ofo—a traditional Igbo staff of authority—in his ministry.

The family had reported him to the church’s General Council in Enugu, claiming gross misconduct.

However, the youth president, Kingsley Asuzu, insisted the accusations were false and merely an attempt by the family to assert control over the church.

“They are trying to use this petition to hang him. He has done nothing wrong. They are the ones interfering in church affairs,” he said.

According to Asuzu, some family members had previously stormed the pulpit mid-service, forcefully taking the microphone from the pastor and ordering him to step down.

“The problem is that they want him to obey their wishes. When he refused, they accused him of going traditional by saying ‘Ofor’ during prayers. But this is not true.”

Church Leadership Reacts

When contacted, Pastor Godfrey Odionyemma confirmed that the Odionyemma family had indeed submitted a petition, but he declined further comment.

“The matter is under the careful handling of the Assemblies of God Church leadership in Enugu. I have no authorization to discuss it further.”

Attempts to get a statement from the Imo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as DSP Henry Okoye did not respond to calls or messages.

What’s Next?

With the case now in the hands of the church’s top leadership, the fate of Pastor Obinna Nwoko remains uncertain.

However, the church youths have vowed to resist any decision they see as unfair, setting the stage for further tensions in the congregation.