Crisis Rocks Apostolic Church As Pastor Ikpe Demoted
The Apostolic Church Nigeria, FCT field Abuja, has demoted Apostle Sunday Ikpe to a district pastor.
This development follows a series of conflicts involving Pastor Ikpe, Pastor Emmanuel Isaac, and Pastor Ubong Essien Omega.
In 2022, while Apostle Ikpe served as Nyanya Area Superintendent, he had a serious dispute with Pastor Emmanuel Isaac, who was then the Nyanya Assembly Pastor under Ikpe, over a lady.
The situation escalated to the point where the field council had to intervene, resulting in the immediate transfer of Apostle Ikpe to the Gwagwalada Area and Pastor Isaac to the Gurku Assembly under Tudun Wada District, New Karu Area.
This transfer was announced during the 2022 Abuja Metropolitan Areas Convention at Nyanya Area headquarters.
After being transferred to the Gwagwalada Area, Apostle Ikpe encountered another issue with Pastor Ubong Essien Omage, the Gwagwalada District Pastor, which again necessitated the involvement of the field council.
A source, speaking on condition of anonymity to Naija News House, claimed that Field Superintendent Apostle I. S. Udoinyang deliberately demoted Apostle Ikpe due to longstanding animosity dating back to when Apostle Udoinyang was the Nyanya Area Superintendent and Ikpe was the Jos District Pastor.
The source suggested that Apostle Udoinyang seized the opportunity, upon becoming Field Superintendent, to use his position to punish Ikpe.
The source also asserted that Ikpe would not accept his demotion and would leave the Apostolic Church to establish his own ministry.
The source further revealed that Apostle Ikpe refused to sign the transfer letter sent to him by the Field Superintendent.
Initially transferred from the Gwagwalada Area to the Gojere Area in Lagos, where Apostle Etim is the Area Superintendent, Ikpe was later reassigned to Okene.
However, Apostle Etim refused his own transfer, citing concerns for his safety.
Subsequently, Ikpe also refused to accept his reassignment to Okene.
The demotion of Ikpe has sparked significant controversy in the Gwagwalada Area, with some members threatening to break away from the church if Ikpe is forcibly removed and demoted.
The source also said that during Apostle Ikpe’s reception non of field executive members was attended except Pastor Okpon who happened to be the MC, also said that during Gwagwalada Area convention, field superintendent, Pastor I. S. Udoinyang refused to attend despite collected all the necessary things he was demanded for.
To hell with them, source said.
Various sources indicated their willingness to fight for Ikpe to remain in Gwagwalada as an Apostle, while others urged him to accept the transfer.
When the field council and Board of Trustees visited Gwagwalada Area headquarters for a meeting, instead of seeking forgiveness, the demoted Pastor Ikpe reportedly insulted the Field Superintendent.
He has vowed not to leave the church unless the council physically removes his property.
Another source indicated that Ikpe has reported the issue to his family, who have sent a strong warning to the Field Superintendent.
Meanwhile, Pastor Omega has also reported Ikpe to his family, resulting in a warning directed at Ikpe regarding Omega’s safety.
The source mentioned that Ikpe has faced multiple suspensions, accusations, and a lack of respect for other pastors.
Naija News House has learned that the demoted Apostle was suspended when he was in New Karu Area and had previously served as Acting Field Secretary until his conflict with Pastor Isaac led to his removal.
The outlet also learned that demoted Ikpe has now been transferred to Victory District under the Kubwa Area as a district pastor.
The Abuja metropolitan Areas witness that lead to his demotion was the last.
Investigation revealed that demoted Ikpe is still in Gwagwalada Area headquarters and is not ready to go for transfer
The letter obtained by Naija News House showed that demoted Pastor refused to sign and return back to field superintendent
Attempts to reach Field Media Chairman, Pastor Effiong Ekong, were unsuccessful as his number was not reachable.
Similarly, Pastor Ikpe’s phone number has been switched off.
