OBITUARY: Ibezim Hails Anikwenwa as Hero of Gospel of Ecumenism, Evangelism

By Praise Chinecherem 

The Archbishop Province of the Niger and Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim PhD, has described former Dean, Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa as a hero of gospel of ecumenism and evangelism.

Ibezim made the comment while reacting to the death of the Anglican Cleric at the age of 83.

Anikwenwa’s death was announced in a statement issued by Secretary General of Church of Nigeria, Bishop Anthony Poggo.

According to the statement, Anikwenwa was called to glory, today, March 13, 2023 after years of meritorious and faithful service to God and humanity.

The statement reads, “The Church of Nigeria mourns the demise of the former Dean of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev’d Maxwell Anikwenwa, who was called to glory this day, Monday, March 13, 2023.

“Archbishop Anikwenwa was the former Archbishop of Province II and the Retired Bishop of Awka Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

“May God comfort his family, the Diocese of Awka, Province of the Niger and the Church of Nigeria as a whole and grant him eternal rest.”

The late prelate, born in Anambra State in 1940, was educated at Trinity Theological College, Umuahia.

He was ordained Deacon in 1964 and Priest in December 1966. He served in Onitsha and  Freetown. He was appointed the first Bishop of Awka in 1987. 

Anikwenwa who became Archbishop of the Niger in 2000 and also Dean of the Church of Nigeria, retired as Bishop of Awka, Archbishop of the Niger and Dean of the Church on 22 November 2010.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Province of the Niger and Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim PhD, has described the death as one death, too many.

According to a statement by Director, Media and Communication, Comrade Odogwu Emeka, the Prelate said Christendom lost a hero of the gospel of ecumenism and evangelism without sorrow in this part of the world.  

“Anikwenwa’s legacies in the Church of Christ in general and the Anglican Church in particular cannot be dismissed by many.

Regretting that the Anglicans worldwide and Anambra State in particular has lost a Christian father, Ibezim prayed God to grant his soul eternal repose in His bosom. 
Late Anikwenwa voted in the last presidential elections.