Chibuzo Emmanuel Obimma, known as Ebube Muonso (born August 18, 1980),[1] is a Nigerian Catholic leader in Anambra State. He is a parish priest in Dunukofia and the founder and head of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry.
Early life and education
editObimma was born in Uruebo village, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, the youngest of seven sons of Bartholomew Obiechina Obimma, a tailor, and Grace Obimma (Ochiora), a clothing seller. He attended Ezunaka primary school and received his junior high education at St. Paul's seminary in Ukpor, then completed secondary education at All Hallows seminary in Onitsha. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in August 2011 after studying at Pope John Paul Major Seminary in Awka and at the Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary in Onitsha; three of his brothers had previously studied for the priesthood without completing their studies, and he himself was suspended for a year on probation. He acquired his nickname Ebube Muonso, 'Glory of the Holy Ghost', in seminary.[1]
Career
editAfter a brief period as a relief priest at St. Dominic's Catholic Church in Uke, Obimma was made a vicar at St. Charles Borromeo parish in Onitsha. Conflict with the parish priest led him to found Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry in Uke.[1] As of 2020[update] the ministry is the largest in Onitsha diocese, draws thousands of worshippers, and in addition to charity, employs almost 20,000 people in schools and factories.[1][2] After three years as a vicar, Obimma was then appointed the first priest of the new Blessed Iwene Tansi parish in Umudioka, on its creation in 2014–15.[1]
His ministry includes signs and wonders, and his prayers have been reported to be efficacious, including claims of healings.[1][2][3] He has preached against violent cultists in the state,[4] and credits God's protection for his surviving multiple assassination attempts by armed gangs.[3][5][6][7]
In 2017 there were reports of a rivalry between Ebube Muonso and an older priest, Father Mbaka, founder of Adoration Ministries in Enugu. Followers of each have called the other a false prophet.[8][9] He later denied that there was any conflict between the two.[10][11]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f Magnus Eze; Obinna Odogwu; Aloysius Attah; Eziomume Solomon (2020-08-23). "Anambra fiery catholic priest: Untold story of Ebube Muonso". The Sun. Archived from the original on 2020-08-23.
- ^ a b Leo Sobechi (2017-03-26). "Ebube Muonso: Essence of miracles is to glorify God". The Guardian. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
- ^ a b "My 10 years of priestly ministry thorny –Fr. Ebube Muonso". The Sun. 2021-10-05. Archived from the original on 2021-10-05.
- ^ Joe Chukindi (2020-10-23). "My battle with cultists in Nkwelle Ezunaka - Rev Fr Obimma, Ebube Muonso". Daily Post. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
- ^ Nwabueze Okonkwo (2014-02-22). "Catholic priest escapes death in Onitsha". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
- ^ "One killed as masquerades invade Catholic's Ebube Muonso's Adoration Ground". The Eagle Online. 2018-04-21. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
- ^ "Ebube Muonso narrowly escapes death". News Express Nigeria. 2020-10-21. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
- ^ "Rev Frs Mbaka, Obimma supremacy battle gets messier as followers join attacks". Nigerian News Direct. 2017-09-12. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
- ^ Joe Chukindi (2017-09-12). "Mbaka vs Obimma: Parishioners blast Enugu Adoration members". Daily Post. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
- ^ Joe Chukindi (2017-09-13). "Fifth columnists behind my perceived rift with Fr. Mbaka - Fr. Obimma". Daily Post. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
- ^ Vincent Ujumadu (2017-09-13). "I've no rift with Fr Mbaka -Fr Obimma". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2022-11-17.