Ejike Camillus Anthony Ebenezer Mbaka, popularly known as Father Mbaka, is a Nigerian Catholic priest, musician and the founder of Adoration Ministries in Enugu, Nigeria.[1][2] He is noted for being one of the most prominent religious leaders in the south-eastern part of Nigeria.[3]
Ejike Mbaka | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ejike Camillus Anthony Ebenezer Mbaka |
| Citizenship | Nigeria |
| Occupation | Catholic cleric |
Early life and background
editMbaka was born in Amata Ituku in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, where he grew up with his family who were palm wine tappers.[4] He attended St. Vincent's Secondary School, Agbogugu in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State for his secondary education.[4]
Priesthood
editMbaka attended Seat of Wisdom Seminary, Owerri, Imo State and St Joseph's Seminary Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, where he was trained for priesthood.[4] On 29 July 1995, He was ordained a priest of the Catholic Church.[5]
Controversies
editAlleged support of Buhari in the 2015 general elections
editOn 31 December 2014, Mbaka told a congregation that the then president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had failed to stem the tide of insecurity and corruption in the country,[6] and urged them to vote the administration out.[7] Mbaka's call for a change in administration is in tandem with his priestly-prophetic ministry. Mbaka has been consistent in directing, advising and forewarning every administration in Nigeria since he was ordained a priest.
Seeking compensation for supporting Buhari
editOn 28 April 2021, Mbaka called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign from his office over the worsening insecurities in Nigeria.[8] In response to Mbaka's call, the Nigerian Presidency released a statement through Garba Shehu that Mbaka is allegedly angry because President Buhari ignored his request for contracts after he asked for contracts as compensation for his support in 2015 and 2019.[9]
Rumor of Rivalry with Ebube Muonso
editIt was once alleged that there occurred incidents of rivalry, but this was debunked by both Mbaka and Fr Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Muonso).[10][11]
Mbaka had been largely critized for participating in political matters of the country instead of focusing on his religious call, when he publicly released a campaign statement against the presidential candidate Peter Obi. Mbaka went on an exil as instructed by his Bishop for some months, and was forbidden from participating in political matters in any form.
References
edit- ^ Amaechi, Ikechukwu (6 December 2018). "Mbaka : The priest and controversy". Vanguard News. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
- ^ Abati, Reuben (5 February 2016). "Mbaka: Priest, politician or renegade?". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
- ^ "How popular Nigerian priest, Father Mbaka church members attack BBC reporters". BBC News Pidgin. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
- ^ a b c "Untold story of Rev Fr. Mbaka". The Sun Nigeria. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
- ^ Salaudeen, Omoniyi (19 January 2020). "Fr. Ejike Mbaka: Fiery priest thriving on controversial prophecies". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
- ^ "Full Transcript of Catholic Priest Ejike Mbaka's fierce attack on President Jonathan | Premium Times Nigeria". 3 January 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
- ^ "Buhari hails Father Mbaka's courage, patriotism in run-up to 2015 elections | Premium Times Nigeria". 30 July 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
- ^ "Mbaka calls for Buhari's impeachment over rising insecurity". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 29 April 2021. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
- ^ "Mbaka asked for contracts, Buhari refused; that's why he's angry – Presidency". 30 April 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2022.
- ^ Chukindi, Joe (13 September 2017). "Fifth columnists behind my perceived rift with Fr. Mbaka – Fr. Obimma". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 30 April 2022.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "I've no rift with Fr Mbaka -Fr Obimma". Vanguard News. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 30 April 2022.