Edo State Government House Chapel, located within the Government House, yesterday, became a subject of discourse, following allegations that Governor Godwin Obaseki has shut down the chapel in the Government House, evicting the priest.
The worry by members of the Christian community, particularly the Catholic faith, is that the closure of the Chapel may not be unconnected with the rift between the governor and his deputy, Phillip Shaibu.
While many believe that the governor ordered the closure of the Government House Chapel, instructing the Catholic lay faithful to vacate the premises, the state government insists that the facility is for interdenominational worship, which, it said, is also undergoing renovation.
The state government, in a statement, in Benin City, through the Senior Special Adviser (SSA), Religious Matters, Rev. Osagie Ehrunmwunse, and Pastor-in-Charge, Edo State Government House Chapel, described the situation as handiwork of mischief makers and an attempt to curry political sympathy.
The statement reads in parts: “It is quite unfortunate that the architects of the fake narrative intend to embarrass the state government, causing religious discord among peace-loving Edo people.
“It is, therefore, necessary to state unequivocally that Obaseki regards persons of all religions, faiths and spiritual persuasions with utmost respect.”
