Enugu Catholic Priest apologies for violent clash with women during August meeting

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By Iheanyi Chukwudi

A Catholic Priest in Enugu, has exhibited one of the Christian values, humility, with his public apology, describing his recent altercation with members of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) in his parish as “regrettable and uncharacteristic.”

The priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Godfrey Oleri, Parish Priest of St. Paul Parish, Ibuzo Amokwe in Udi Local Government, was at the center of the incident that went viral on social media showing a physical confrontation between him and several CWO members.

The incident which occurred on August 8 at St. Mary Station, Idedu, an outstation of St. Paul Parish, attracted condemnation from many watchers who felt the priest did not behave well.

Bút in his apology in a video address, a visibly remorseful Rev. Fr. Oleri, regretted the incident

and admitted that his conduct did not reflect the values and discipline expected of a Catholic priest.

He said, “I sincerely apologise for what happened. It was a moment of weakness, and I take full responsibility for my actions. It should not have happened."

He explained that misunderstandings surrounding the venue of the women’s meeting escalated tensions but emphasized that violence and confrontation should never have been part of the outcome.

According to him, “As a spiritual leader, I am called to be a symbol of peace and unity. I fell short of that calling, and I am deeply sorry to the CWO members, the parish and the entire Catholic community."

While witnesses described the event as chaotic, with parishioners intervening to de-escalate the situation, there were calls from both the clergy and the laity for the Catholic Diocese of Enugu to investigate it and for an apology and resolution of the matter.

Meanwhile, Fr. Oleri in his video address, reaffirmed his commitment to reconciliation and pastoral duties, calling on all parties involved to forgive and move forward in peace.