Father Mbaka
Ejike Camillus Anthony Ebenezer Mbaka[1] known as Father Mbaka is a very controversial Catholic cleric, musician and the founder of Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Nigeria.[2] He is noted for being one of the most prominent religious leaders in the south-eastern part of Nigeria[3] Mbaka has also been referred to as a "radical"[4]
Ejike Mbaka | |
---|---|
Born | Ejike Camillus Anthony Ebenezer Mbaka |
Citizenship | Nigeria |
Occupation | Catholic cleric |
Early life and background
Mbaka 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.[5] He attended St. Vincent’s Secondary School, Agbogugu in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State for his secondary education.[5]
Priesthood
Mbaka 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.[5] On 29 July 1995, He was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, in the order of Melchizedek.[6]
Controversies
Alleged support of Buhari in the 2015 general elections
On 31 December 2014, Mbaka told a congratulation that the then president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had failed to stem the tide of insecurity and corruption in the country,[7] and urged them to vote the administration out.[8]
Seeking compensation for supporting Buhari
On 28 April 2021, Mbaka called on President Buhari to resign from his office over the worsening insecurities in Nigeria.[9] 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.[10]
References
- Abati, Reuben (2016-02-05). "Mbaka: Priest, politician or renegade?". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
- Amaechi, Ikechukwu (2018-12-06). "Mbaka : The priest and controversy". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
- "How popular Nigerian priest, Father Mbaka church members attack BBC reporters". BBC News Pidgin. 2020-12-10. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
- "Father Mbaka : The priest in the eye of the storm". Vanguard News. 2018-12-08. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
- "Untold story of Rev Fr. Mbaka". The Sun Nigeria. 2021-05-08. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
- Salaudeen, Omoniyi (2020-01-19). "Fr. Ejike Mbaka: Fiery priest thriving on controversial prophecies". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
- "Full Transcript of Catholic Priest Ejike Mbaka's fierce attack on President Jonathan | Premium Times Nigeria". 2015-01-03. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
- "Buhari hails Father Mbaka's courage, patriotism in run-up to 2015 elections | Premium Times Nigeria". 2015-07-30. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
- "Mbaka calls for Buhari's impeachment over rising insecurity". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2021-04-29. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
- "Mbaka asked for contracts, Buhari refused; that's why he's angry - Presidency". 2021-04-30. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
- "I've no rift with Fr Mbaka -Fr Obimma". Vanguard News. 2017-09-13. Retrieved 2022-04-30.
- Chukindi, Joe (2017-09-13). "Fifth columnists behind my perceived rift with Fr. Mbaka - Fr. Obimma". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-04-30.