PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE — The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially announced the election of four new bishops to lead various dioceses across the country.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 16, 2026, by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, following the conclusion of the Episcopal Synod. The synod took place on the final day of the Advance Episcopal Consultation hosted at Our Saviour’s Chapel, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to a statement released by Ven. Raphael A. Aderinwale, the Church’s Director of Communications, the four newly elected bishops-elect are:
- Ven. Dr. Godwin Tersoo Simon Yakela — Bishop-Elect for the Diocese of Makurdi
- Ven. Dr. Kingsley Ogbonda — Bishop-Elect for the Diocese of Uyo
- Ven. Dr. Julius Oyediran — Bishop-Elect for the Diocese of Ekiti Oke
- Ven. Dr. Olayemi Fatusi — Bishop-Elect for the Awori Diocese
Primate Ndukuba emphasized that the elections were the result of rigorous, prayerful deliberations among the serving bishops during the Episcopal Synod.
He further disclosed that the formal consecration of the bishops-elect is scheduled to take place during the upcoming General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, which will be hosted by the Diocese of Remo in September 2026.
The election of these four senior clergymen is widely regarded as a pivotal milestone for the Anglican Communion in Nigeria. As bishops-elect, they will soon transition into major administrative and spiritual roles, taking on the oversight of their respective dioceses, spearheading local evangelism efforts, and steering the growth of the church.
In his announcement, the Primate urged all Anglican faithful and the wider Christian community to keep the newly elected leaders in their prayers. He called for divine intercession, asking for wisdom, physical strength, humility, and the grace necessary for them to successfully navigate the heavy responsibilities of the episcopal office.
The processes towards their consecration begins immediately.
