‎St. Matthew’s Cathedral Denies Link To A Fraternity’s Proposed Thanksgiving Service For Its Diseased Member

The Cathedral Church of St. Matthew, Benin City, Anglican Diocese of Benin, has categorically refuted claims that it will host a burial and thanksgiving service for a deceased member of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity Incorporated.
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‎In a press release dated 13/09/2026 signed by the Vicar/Archdeacon, Ven. Uwadiae Osaze Vincent, and the Secretary of the Standing Committee, Mr. Fred Imarughe, the Cathedral said its attention was drawn to a television, radio, and social media advertisement by the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity Incorporated stating that a Thanksgiving Service for their deceased member would be held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Benin City.
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‎The Cathedral stated that it did not hold any meeting, discussion, consultation, or agreement with the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity Incorporated, its officers, agents, or representatives concerning the purported burial or the said Thanksgiving Service. It also noted that it did not approve, endorse, or agree to host any burial or Thanksgiving Service for or on behalf of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity Incorporated in respect of the purported event.
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‎According to the Cathedral, it is standard practice that any Thanksgiving Service to be held at the Cathedral is published or announced in the Cathedral bulletin at least two weeks before the scheduled date. The church said no such publication or announcement was made in the Cathedral bulletin in respect of the Thanksgiving Service referenced in the advertisement, which further confirms that the advert did not originate from, and was not approved by, the Cathedral.
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‎The Cathedral described any advertisement, announcement, or publication suggesting that it is hosting, co-hosting, or endorsing the purported Reformed Ogboni Fraternity Incorporated burial or Thanksgiving Service as false and misleading, and hereby refuted it. The church advised the public to disregard the said advertisement as it concerns the Cathedral Church of St. Matthew, Benin City, and clarified that no Thanksgiving Service will hold at the Cathedral in connection with the purported Reformed Ogboni Fraternity Incorporated burial.
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‎The Cathedral further stated that it will not permit its name, altar, or premises to be used for any purpose inconsistent with its faith and practice, in line with its motto, “with God all things are possible” Mark 10:27 and “UNITAS IN CHRISTO”. The release was issued from the Cathedral’s office at 18, Sokponba Road, P. O. Box 29, Benin City.
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