The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has confirmed the election of 15 bishops to lead one vacant diocese and 14 newly created dioceses across the country.

The decision followed the Episcopal Synod of the House of Bishops, which met on Thursday at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesha, Ado-Ekiti, in Ekiti Diocese.

A statement signed by the Church’s Communication Officer, Korede Akintunde, on Friday, noted that the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr Henry Ndukuba, presided over the Synod. He explained that the elections were part of the Communion’s expansion and mission strategy to strengthen its presence nationwide.

“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), House of Bishops, arising from its Episcopal Synod on Thursday, 18th September 2025 at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesha, Ado-Ekiti, in Ekiti Diocese, has elected new bishops to fill one of its vacant Sees and the newly created 15 dioceses which commenced after an eucharistic service,” the statement read.

Ndukuba confirmed that the election for the Missionary Diocese of Eket had been suspended following the sudden death of the Bishop of Uyo Diocese earlier in the week. The new diocese is expected to be carved out of Uyo.
He called on members of the church to uphold the bishops-elect and their families in prayer, stressing the importance of divine direction as they assume their new roles. “Their interest must be supported in prayer as they step into this new responsibility,” he said.
The consecration of the newly elected bishops has been scheduled for November 9, 2025, in Abuja, while details of the inauguration of the dioceses and the enthronement of the bishops will be announced later.
The Standing Committee of the Church had earlier approved the creation of the 15 dioceses during its meeting in Ekiti State, held from September 15 to 19, 2025. According to Akintunde, this approval followed inspections and verification exercises conducted after the lifting of the moratorium on new dioceses in September 2024.

Among those elected are:
1. Diocese of Irele/Ese-Odo – Venerable Samuel Ogunmiluyi
2. Diocese of Ekiti South – Venerable Francis Bankole
3. Diocese of Kalabari – Venerable Boma Briggs
4. Diocese of Lagos South West – Venerable Dr. Adewole Ajayi
5. Diocese of Omoku – Venerable Richard N. Okpara
6. Diocese of Ozoro – Venerable Dr. Benjamin Idume

Missionary Dioceses
1. Missionary Diocese of Idanre – Venerable Bode Otenaike
2. Missionary Diocese of Ikom – Venerable David Michson
3. Missionary Diocese of Keffi – Venerable Dr. Paul Dajur
4. Missionary Diocese of Nasarawa – Venerable Dr. Luka B. Allu
5. Missionary Diocese of Ogoja – Venerable Ifeanyi Akunna
6. Missionary Diocese of Oyo South – Venerable Dr. Ebenezer Familoni
7. Missionary Diocese of Oyun – Venerable Solomon Adewumi
8. Missionary Diocese of Takum – Rev’d Canon Rika G. Ibrahim
9. Missionary Diocese of Zuru – Venerable Dr. Ayuba Kanta