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The Catholic Diocese of Gboko, located in Benue State, Nigeria, has suspended Rev. Fr. David Golododzo from the exercise of his sacred ministry due to what the diocese has described as a prolonged and unauthorized absence from his assigned duties.
According to an official letter dated September 4, 2025, issued under the letterhead of the diocese and signed by the Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William Avenya, and co-signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende, the decision stems from Fr. Golododzo’s extended absence without the necessary permission from his ecclesiastical authority.
The priest had been assigned as an Associate Priest at St. Edward Parish, Uga. However, he reportedly absented himself from this place of assignment for prolonged periods, despite repeated efforts by the diocese to secure his return.
In the letter, Bishop Avenya invoked relevant provisions of the Code of Canon Law, emphasizing that clerics are bound by a vow of obedience and are required to reside in their assigned place unless lawfully permitted otherwise. The bishop described the prolonged absence as a grave violation that warrants canonical penalties.
As a result, the diocese has imposed a suspension that bars Rev. Fr. Golododzo from publicly celebrating Holy Mass, administering sacraments, or participating in public acts of worship. The suspension took immediate effect upon communication and will remain in place until the priest ceases what the diocese terms “contumacy” — a persistent refusal to comply with legitimate authority.
The letter clarifies that the suspended priest retains the permission to celebrate Holy Mass privately and may attend to the spiritual needs of the faithful only in cases of imminent danger of death, in accordance with Church law.
A copy of the document has been forwarded to the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria for official records.
As of the latest available information, Rev. Fr. David Golododzo has not issued any public response to the suspension.
This development comes at a time when the Diocese of Gboko has previously addressed issues of clerical discipline, including notable cases involving priests engaging in partisan politics. The action underscores the Church’s emphasis on obedience, residency, and fidelity to assigned pastoral responsibilities among its clergy.
The diocese continues its mission of pastoral care across its territory, serving a significant Catholic population in the region. Further updates on the matter are awaited as the situation unfolds.
