Priest Suspended in Benue Over Prolonged Absence and Canon Law Breach
The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State has been thrown into the spotlight following the official suspension of one of its clerics, Rev. Fr. David Golodzo. The suspension, which was made public on January 9, 2026, stems from allegations of “prolonged and unauthorized absence” from his place of primary assignment. This administrative action, rooted deeply in Catholic Canon Law, has sparked widespread conversation about the expectations of obedience and residency within the priesthood in Nigeria.
The Details of the Suspension: Why Fr. Golodzo Was Disciplined
According to an official document signed by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, Most Rev. William Avenya, and co-signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende, the decision followed months of investigation. Fr. Golodzo, who was serving as an Associate Priest at St. Edward Parish, Uga, reportedly absconded from his duties for extended periods without seeking or receiving permission from his ecclesiastical superiors.
The Diocese noted that several attempts were made to reach the priest and encourage his return to the parish, but these efforts proved futile. In the eyes of the Church leadership, this persistent refusal to fulfill his parochial duties constituted a state of “contumacy”—a willful and stubborn disobedience to authority.
The Role of Canon Law in Clerical Discipline
To understand the severity of this suspension, one must look at the Code of Canon Law, which governs the global Catholic Church. The Bishop referenced specific provisions that bind clerics to a vow of obedience and the obligation of residency.
- Canon 273: Clerics are bound by a special obligation to show reverence and obedience to the Supreme Pontiff and their own ordinary (Bishop).
- Canon 283: Clerics, even if they do not have a residential office, are not to be absent from their diocese for a notable time without at least the presumed permission of their proper ordinary.
By failing to remain at St. Edward Parish, Fr. Golodzo was deemed to have committed a “grave violation” of these laws. The resulting penalty—suspension—is a canonical censure that limits his ability to perform sacred acts.
Impact of the Suspension on Sacramental Duties
The suspension has immediate and specific consequences for Rev. Fr. Golodzo’s ministry. Under the current decree:
- Public Celebration of Mass: He is strictly prohibited from celebrating Holy Mass in public or in the presence of the faithful.
- Administration of Sacraments: He cannot publicly administer sacraments such as Baptism, Confession, or Matrimony.
- Public Worship: He is barred from participating in any public acts of worship in a leadership capacity.
However, the Church maintains a level of pastoral compassion even in discipline. The Bishop clarified that Fr. Golodzo is permitted to celebrate Holy Mass privately. Furthermore, in accordance with the Church’s focus on the salvation of souls, he is allowed to attend to the spiritual needs of a person who is in danger of death, as the law provides an exception for such extreme circumstances.
The Wider Implications for the Benue Catholic Community
Benue State, often referred to as a stronghold of the Catholic faith in Northern Nigeria, has a community that holds its priests in high regard. The suspension of a priest at St. Edward Parish, Uga, is naturally a point of concern for the laity.
Church analysts suggest that this firm stance by Bishop Avenya is a move to reinforce discipline and ensure that the “flock” is not left without spiritual guidance. A priest’s absence from a parish doesn’t just affect administrative duties; it halts the daily spiritual nourishment that parishioners rely on. The Diocese has forwarded a copy of the suspension notice to the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) to ensure official records are updated nationwide.
What Happens Next? The Path to Restoration
A canonical suspension is not necessarily permanent. In the Catholic tradition, such penalties are “medicinal,” meaning they are intended to lead the offender back to repentance and correct behavior. The suspension will remain in force until Fr. Golodzo “ceases from his contumacy”—meaning he must return to the Diocese, submit to the authority of the Bishop, and fulfill the required penance or corrective actions.
Conclusion
The suspension of Rev. Fr. David Golodzo serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous standards of the Catholic priesthood. While the Diocese of Gboko manages this internal matter, the focus remains on ensuring that the spiritual life of St. Edward Parish remains vibrant. As of now, Fr. Golodzo has not issued a public response to the decree.
Leave a Reply