History of Parish

The present Obangede Parish started as a Mass Centre in June 1990, with Rev. Fr. Francis Ododo as minister, while Mr. Anthony Salami from Nagazi-Uvete in Osisi Parish, was appointed to conduct service whenever the priest could not come to celebrate Mass.

In October 1991, Obangede became a Parish, with Rev. Fr. Dr. Joseph Joachim Onotu, doubled as the Parish Priest, and Chaplain of Federal College of Education, Okene . He took over from Rev. Fr. Francis Jude Ododo, November 20, 1991. Obangede

Parish was to comprise of Obangede as its main station: Okaito as outstation, while the Parish was to extend her jurisdiction to Usugwe, Omavi, Uboro, Uhuodo and Oniyeka all of which are neighbouring villages to Obangede and Okaito.

The first Mass in Obangede was held in one Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Sadiq’s residence at Okuhapa, in Obangede.

This was abruptly stopped in September, 1992 by his Muslim landlord.

This prompted the celebration of combined Mass for Obangede and Okaito worshippers in the old Church building at Okaito.

In May 1994, members of Obangede Catholic Community complained about the distance from Obangede to Okaito.

This prompted one Mrs. B. O Omaku to arrange with her employer to allow us use a classroom for worship on Sunday alone; this request was granted, and celebration of Masses continued until we lost our Parish Priest, Rev. Dr. J. J. Onotu (of blessed memory) in 1995.

Rev. Fr. Andrew Otu, who took over from him performed excellently well.

Previous Priests