NEW ACTING GENERAL OVERSEER PRESENTED AS COMMONWEALTH COVENANT CHURCH INT’L MOURNS ARCHBISHOP EBENEZER ONUNGWE

 

By Nwafor Oji Awala

The atmosphere at the Headquarters Church of Commonwealth Covenant Church International (CCCI), Alode, Eleme LGA of Rivers State, was solemn on Sunday as the congregation received the new Acting General Overseer, Bishop Kenneth Nwafor Gomba, following the passing of the late Archbishop Ebenezer Orr Onungwe.

Archbishop Ebenezer Onungwe 

The presentation, led by Bishop Godfrey Mbaka, was marked by moments of reflection, prayer, and renewed exhortation. Quoting scripture, Bishop Mbaka reminded the church that “Christ has paid the price and died our death for us to live,” urging worshippers to remain steadfast in faith despite their grief.

Bishop Kenneth Nwafor 

He charged the congregation not to let sorrow weaken their spiritual resolve: “Be strong in faith and never give up,” he said, acknowledging the deep emotional weight the transition has brought upon the church.

Bishop Kenneth Nwafor Gomba, who now steps into leadership after the passing of Archbishop Onungwe in the early hours of Friday, presided over the service with a calm demeanor that many described as both comforting and symbolic of continuity. His emergence marks a new phase for the Commonwealth family, one navigating grief while embracing hope.

A Community in Mourning

Archbishop Ebenezer Onungwe’s death has stirred heartfelt tributes from across Eleme and beyond. Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council, Chief Hon. Obarilomate Ollor, offered an emotional eulogy, recounting a recent personal encounter with the late Archbishop: their first and ultimately last.

He recalled Archbishop Onungwe’s renewed faith in Eleme’s political leadership and the symbolic gift he offered: “Leadership: The Perfect Picture” by W. F. Kumuyi.
Chief Ollor described the news of his passing as “a deep, painful silence… too sudden and too heavy to grasp,” but expressed comfort that the Archbishop “completed his earthly assignment with honour.”

From church members to protégés, tributes poured in, describing the late Archbishop as a saint, a father, a shepherd of unwavering faith, and a man who departed peacefully. One member, Precious Rebirth, wrote simply: “Sleep on Daddy. It is well with the Commonwealth family.”

Another mourner, Demajesty Etuk, reflected tearfully:
“For the first time, I greeted you and you did not reply me with names… You left without stress, peaceful and smiling. A saint is called home.”

A New Chapter Begins

As the Commonwealth Covenant Church grapples with this loss, the presentation of Bishop Gomba signals both a continuation of Archbishop Onungwe’s legacy and the beginning of a new chapter.

The church leadership has called for unity, calm, and prayer as they navigate the days ahead.

For now, the Commonwealth family mourns — but with hope anchored in faith and the belief that their late Archbishop rests in glory.

Nwafor Oji Awala 

©️ Prime Heritage Magazine