The Church in Ahiara in God’s Hands is more than a book title; it is a prophetic utterance spoken by a dying shepherd standing at the threshold of eternity, preparing for his final journey into the bliss of heaven.
When the Diocese of Ahiara eventually became a crisis zone—bruised, battered, clobbered from all sides, and reduced almost to a pariah—the phrase “Ahiara is in good hands” rose beyond mere words. Its potency became a shield, preserving the diocese from collapsing into rubble. What once sounded like consolation revealed itself as prophecy.
The story of how the Church in Ahiara rejected a bishop made headlines for years. It became trending news, a subject of heated debate across ecclesial and public spaces. Names were called. Intimidation was deployed. Sacramental sanctions were weaponized to force submission to what many perceived as an ecclesiological injustice. Like a ramrod, the Diocese was positioned to be crushed—to swallow pills bitter with injustice. It rained. It poured. But today, the sun shines in Ahiara. Faith blossoms.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ thrives in what was once branded a “prodigal diocese.” Never underestimate the spoken words of a good shepherd at the point of death. Such words are potent, powerful, and often irresistible.
Looking back with the clarity of hindsight, the Diocese of Ahiara—just as prophesied by the late Bishop Chikwe—was indeed in good hands, hands that ultimately could only mean God’s hands.
At this critical moment comes a monumental work: a 566-page book by Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Oliver Alozie Onwubiko, published at the right time to clear the hoaxes and falsehoods deliberately built around the Diocese during the episcopal crisis.
The book is divided into four parts, comprising twenty chapters, each meticulously structured. The language is friendly. The style is engaging. The author’s method of dismantling erroneous accusations is deeply theological, presenting facts with clarity, courage, and unassailable logic.
Part One reflects on the nature and mission of the Church.
Part Two examines the Catholic Church as it was left by the late Bishop Chikwe—an evocative and nostalgic journey down memory lane.
Part Three engages Owerri Provincial leadership and its role during the Ahiara crisis, offering deep and insightful analysis.
Part Four delivers a decisive blow to the myriad strands of misinformation that surrounded the bishopric crisis.
Despite its volume, the book possesses an almost enchanting quality, compelling the reader relentlessly toward the final page. Fr. Oliver’s work is a thorough research achievement—academic in rigor, yet pastoral in tone. He handles sensitive issues with succor and inspiration that could only flow from the throne of grace, under the enablement of the Holy Spirit.
With The Church in Ahiara in God’s Hands, a crisis that nearly shook the foundations of Catholicism in Africa is carefully explained. Those blinded by prejudice and bias, those who could not clearly grasp the issues or understand why the people of Ahiara remained unwavering in their stand, are offered light, clarity, and context.
This is a work of punchy clarity and unassailable depth—a book that does not merely tell a story but restores truth to history.
I recommend this book to all Catholics. It is a good run for your money, I guarantee you—very deep, very expository, and theologically enlightening.
The Diocese of Ahiara, indeed, is in God’s hands. Those who fought the fight, those who stood their ground, sticking out their necks against injustice, and those who spoke up with boldness regardless of the names they were tagged with—your struggles were not futile. There are benefits, and you can proudly point to them. Our new bishop and the vibrant church in Ahiara Diocese are the fruits of your struggles.
Let us pause for a moment for the repose of the souls of the premier Bishop of Ahiara and other clergy, as well as laity who fought this battle but have gone on to eternal bliss. May their souls rest in peace. Amen.
