L-R: Robert Odia, Lois Otse Adams, Bishop Gabriel Dunia and Patience Afebu
…The Diocese fully endorses documentation and development – Bishop Dunia.
By Dominic Nwobodo & Liana-lois O. Apeh
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia as approved on behalf of the Diocese, the publication of the biography of the late Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia-Ogedegbe by Dr. Lois Otse Adams, a prominent researcher, biographer, and author of numerous books. This authorization allows Adams to pen the posthumous biography of the late Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia-Ogedegbe who was tragically murdered by assailants on Sunday 26th June, 2022.
This decision was communicated during a visit by Dr. Lois Otse Adams, an Abuja-based Edo Daughter, and her team, to the Bishop’s Court in Auchi, on December 27th, 2023.
The Bishop is also slated to compose the foreword for the biography and contribute significantly to its actualization.
Rev. Fr. Peter Balogun, Lois Otse Adams and Robert Odia
During several meetings with the Bishop and priests, Adams, displaying humility, pledged diligent efforts toward immortalizing the late priest and brother to commemorate his two-year remembrance in June 2024.
She further expressed her close ties with the Odia-Ogedegbe family from Ogbona Community, emphasizing the profound impact of Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia-Ogedegbe unfortunate demise, believing that immortalizing his legacies will alleviate the burden caused by his untimely death.
In various statements made during the interviews with the priests, a strong determination was expressed to uphold Fr. Christopher’s legacies. The priests while acknowledging their deep hurt, also pondered on the mysteries surrounding his death, while others recounted the selflessness Fr. Christopher displayed in his lifetime as God’s servant.
A walk down memory lane takes us back to that fateful Sunday morning of June 26, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Parish, Ikabigbo. Fr. Christopher Odia-Ogedegbe, attired as usual in his priestly garb, prepared to deliver his sermon to the congregation. Suddenly, assailants approached, attacking him viciously, leading him into the bush where he was fatally assaulted.
Reports indicated that a courageous Mass server immediately organized the first vigilante squad to search for the priest. This server, Bernard Tenebe, was shot but fortunately survived.
Adams offered prayers for God’s continued consolation to the immediate family, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi community, and friends.
Despite her involvement in the posthumous biography process, Lois Adams is scheduled to launch her new book, “Stigma,” and an e-commerce platform. Also, she plans to re-launch her foundation and other authored books on March 30th, 2024.
