Thousands of Adoration faithful on Wednesday celebrated the return of the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, Rev. Father Ejike Mbaka as he returned to the ministry.
Mbaka who reportedly arrived at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu around 9 am on Wednesday was welcomed by a crowd of followers who were seen chanting songs of victory and praise to God.
The fiery priest had spent months outside Enugu in compliance with an order by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Reverend Calistus Onaga, mandating him to proceed on a prayer retreat outside the state.
Mbaka had incurred the Bishop’s wrath when he made uncomplimentary remarks against the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi at the Adoration Ground early last year.
In June, 2022, he was suspended from presiding over activities at the adoration ministry but shortly after the suspension was lifted, he was ordered by the Bishop to proceed to an unnamed monastery for a prayer retreat.
Despite protestations by his followers, Mbaka complied with the order and proceeded to a monastery in October 2022.
In November, Mbaka posted a picture on social media announcing his arrival at Saint Andrew’s Abbey Monastery in Los Angeles, Valyermo, United States of America for a retreat.
However, on Wednesday morning, thousands of adoration faithful trooped out to welcome him back to Enugu.
The faithful who marched alongside a vehicle conveying the priest to the Adoration Ground in Umuchigbo, Iji-Nike caused heavy traffic gridlock along old Emene – Abakaliki road.
