By Paul Olayemi

SPAELE: After more than ten years of internal division, members of the Diocese of Sapele Anglican Peace Forum say the church must now choose forgiveness over factionalism.

“We acknowledge that the Diocese of Sapele has been in crisis since 2015,” the group said, describing the conflict as one that has lingered despite “various attempts” at resolution that failed to bring lasting peace.

Quoting directly from scripture, the forum reminded members of the spiritual cost of prolonged bitterness. “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,” the statement read, adding pointedly: “If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

The Peace Forum, drawn from churches under the defunct Special Archdeaconry, said its members were united by “a genuine desire to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation within the Diocese.” According to them, their action follows a clear directive from the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, issued in a letter dated December 12, 2025.

“We have come together to take sincere and deliberate steps toward lasting peace in the Diocese of Sapele,” the forum stated.

Based on consultations across the archdeaconry, the group said reconciliation already enjoys broad support. “We can confidently say that a large majority support the ongoing reconciliation process,” the statement noted.

The forum appealed to dissenting voices to reconsider their stance. “We therefore appeal to all who are still aggrieved to sheath their swords and bury the hatchet,” it said, stressing that “in the pursuit of peace and unity… no sacrifice required of any member will be too great.”

In unusually strong language, the forum rejected a separate letter dated December 20, 2025, which claimed to oppose the Primate’s directive. The group said those behind the letter acted without authority.

“We strongly condemn and hereby declare null and void the purported rejection of the Primate’s directives,” the forum said, describing the authors’ claim to represent the defunct Special Archdeaconry as “false and misleading.”

Looking ahead, the group expressed hope rather than hostility. “It is our earnest prayer that God Almighty, who established the Diocese of Sapele, will hear our prayers,” the statement read, adding that they expect the planned Reconciliation and Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, January 18, 2026, to bring the long crisis to an end.

The statement was signed by the chairman of the Peace Forum, Sir (Chief) Peter Garbot Adjekpiyede (KSC), JP, and the secretary, Bro. Mudiaga Majar Afitara, and circulated to church leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers, and government officials.

In addition to the chairman and secretary, the statement was also endorsed by other members of the Diocese of Sapele Anglican Peace Forum from All Saints Church, Sapele. The signatories include Rev. Moses E. Ighedo (vicar); Dr. Erhiga Ighedo (Mrs); Evang. l. Eko (Mrs); Bro. Mudiaga Majar Afitara; Mr. Roland Jeleba; Mr. J. B. Okotie; Mrs. U. Jeleba; Mr. Precious Onakofa; Mrs. Ogheneovo Okuanyionu; Mrs. Ann Emefe; Bro. Bernard Jeleba; Mr. Emmanuel Akporero; Mrs. Emily Agbagi; Mrs. Doris Oyibo; Sis. Doris Sibo; and Sis. Blessing Mudiaga Majar Afitara.