Chibuzo Obimma: A charismatic Catholic priest making a difference in Anambra State

Chibuzo Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Ebube Muonso, is a Nigerian Catholic priest and the founder and head of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry in Uke, Anambra State. He is known for his charismatic preaching, his healing ministry, and his outspokenness against social ills. 

Obimma was born in Uruebo village, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Anambra State, on August 18, 1980. He attended Ezunaka primary school and received his junior high education at St. Paul’s Seminary in Ukpor, then completed secondary education at All Hallows Seminary in Onitsha. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in August 2011 after studying at Pope John Paul Major Seminary in Awka and at the Blessed Iwene Tansi Major Seminary in Onitsha.

After a brief period as a relief priest at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Uke, Obimma was made a vicar at St. Charles Borromeo parish in Onitsha. Conflict with the parish priest led him to found the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry in Uke. After three years as a vicar, Obimma was then appointed the first priest of the new Blessed Iwene Tansi parish in Umudioka, on its creation in 2014–15. As of 2020, the Holy Ghost Adoration ministry was reported the largest in the Onitsha diocese, drawing thousands of worshippers, and in addition to charity, employs almost 20,000 people in schools and factories.

Obimma’s ministry is characterized by signs and wonders. His prayers have been reported to be efficacious, including claims of healing. He has preached against violent cultists in the state and credits God’s protection for his surviving multiple assassination attempts by armed gangs. Ebube Muonso is a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he is a charismatic and influential leader. He is making a real difference in the lives of many people in Anambra State and beyond.