By Adesina Soyooye
The Knights of St John’s International, Assumption Commandery 511 in Nnewi Diocese, has officially expelled one of their colleagues, Sir James Louis Okoye, popular as ‘Ebube Anaedo’ for an incident which happened in Church on January 14, 2026.
At the commissioning of Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral on that date, Sir Okoye had protested what he saw as the humiliation of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
Trouble started when the Bishop, His Lordship,Hillary Odili Okeke, was telling the history of how the multi-million Naira Cathedral was built. However, Sir Okoye revolted after the ceremony and protested what he saw as the humiliation of Ubah, even in death.
He made a video right on the premises of the Church where he said that the role Ubah played was not appreciated. He said Ubah funded the building of the Cathedral to about 85 per cent completion, but was forced to withdraw when Bishop Okeke, newly posted to the Diocese, asked him, for some inexplicable reasons, to stop.
Okoye said at the event, Ubah’s contributions were not recognised; that no invitation was even extended to the Ubah family; that Ubah’s name was not mentioned; that he was anonymous.
For that, he denounced his faith. He denounced Christianity. He said that day was his last day in any Church; that he has ceased being a Christian. To confirm, he pulled off his – shoe and cap – both instruments of Knighthood.
Since then, nothing has been heard of the issue. Until this expulsion.
In a letter dated January 21, 2026, and signed by the Worthy President of the Commandery, Noble Cyprian Egbosi, the Order told Okoye that he has been stripped of every right, privilege, and membership in the Knights of St. John International (KSJI). This, the letter said, followed an investigation into the embarrassing incident at the Cathedral.
The expulsion letter reads in part:
“This decision follows a thorough probe into reports of your public denunciation of the Holy Roman Catholic Church and your subsequent embrace of apostasy. Such actions represent a grave violation of the fundamental requirements of our Noble Order.
“CONSTITUTIONAL AND CANONICAL GROUNDS
“The Order based its action on four constitutional and canonical grounds:
- Requirement to Remain a Practicing Catholic:
According to Chapter VI, Section 23 of the KSJI Constitution, every member “shall be and remain a practicing Roman Catholic… Upon conviction of failure to comply with this requirement, such persons shall forfeit their membership in the Knights of St. John International.”
- Conduct Unbecoming of a Knight:
Okoye’s public actions, said the letter, constitute “conduct unbecoming a Knight,” which under Chapter II, Section 33, is a recognized offense within the Order. Furthermore, Chapter VI, Section 2 prohibits the retention of any member who violates the provisions of the Catholic Church or is a member of a society condemned by the Church.
- Ecclesiastical Discipline:
In accordance with Canon 1311 §1 of the Code of Canon Law, the Church “has its own inherent right to constrain with penal sanctions Christ’s faithful who commit offences.” The letter noted that Okoye’s act of apostasy—the total repudiation of the Christian faith—places him in direct violation of the Church’s spiritual authority, which the Order is sworn to protect.
- Misconduct and Penalties:
Chapter VI, Section 49 empowers a Subordinate Commandery to impose “expulsion for violation by any member of any by-law of said Commandery, or of any lawful order made by any superior officer.”
CEASE AND DESIST ORDER
The expulsion came with an immediate cease and desist order stripping Okoye of all claims, rights and privileges of membership in the Knights of St. John International.
The Order commanded Okoye to immediately:
Stop Wearing Uniforms:
“You are no longer authorized to wear the KSJI Full Dress Uniform, Marching Uniform, or any attire associated with the Uniformed Rank.”
Cease Use of Insignia and Titles:
“You must immediately stop using the title of ‘Sir’ or ‘Brother’ in relation to this Order, and you are prohibited from displaying the Knights of St. John Cross, Jewels of Honor, or any other insignia of rank.”
Surrender Order Property:
“You are required to surrender any property belonging to the Commandery, including your ritual books and sword, as these are reserved strictly for members in good standing.”
Under the Canon 1336 §3 n. 5, the Church recognizes the prohibition against “exercising any right or privilege or using insignia or titles” as a valid expiatory penalty for those who have broken communion with the faith.”
