Anambra-based Catholic Cleric Finally Opens Up on Why He Is Called ‘Ebube Muonso’

By Praise Chinecherem

The Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Chibuzo Emmanuel Obimma, has finally revealed the story behind his popular sobriquet, ‘Ebube Muonso’, explaining that the name was given to him by parishioners shortly after his ordination as a Catholic priest.

Obimma, who disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Monday in Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, said neither he nor his parents gave him the name. Rather, it emerged from his distinctive style of prayer and blessing during his early days in the priesthood.

According to the cleric, his frequent use of the phrase, “Ka Ebube Muonso kpuchie gi,” meaning “May the glory of the Holy Spirit cover you,” during benedictions endeared him to worshippers, who subsequently began addressing him as ‘Father nke Ebube Muonso’.

He explained: “I didn’t give myself the name Ebube Muonso. When I was newly ordained, I had a particular style of blessing people. Whenever I wanted to conclude a prayer and bless them, I would say, ‘Ka Ebube Muonso kpuchie gi.’

“That means, ‘May the glory of the Holy Spirit cover you.’ That was how people in Uke started calling me ‘Father nke Ebube Muonso’. The name came from the people, not from me.”

The fiery Catholic priest also described his physical strength, endurance and ability to minister at numerous religious programmes as a miracle from God, attributing his capacity to sustain his demanding spiritual activities to divine grace and what he described as a covenant with the Holy Spirit.

He said several priests, including fellow ministers in the prayer ministry, had questioned how he managed to maintain such an intense schedule without becoming exhausted.

“It’s a miracle. Many priests have asked me this question several times, including my brother priests in the prayer ministry. They wonder how I attend these programmes. God has given me enormous strength, and I thank Him for that,” he stated.

Obimma further disclosed that he believes in maintaining a covenant relationship with God, stressing that faithfulness to such a covenant is essential to achieving success in one’s spiritual assignment.

“Again, I’m into covenant. You cannot succeed if you are not living a covenant life. I’m in a covenant with the Holy Spirit. Once you are faithful to such a covenant, the Holy Spirit will take over your activities.

“I’m also in a covenant of health. I told God that I don’t want to go to the hospital. I don’t want to undergo surgery on my vocal cords or enter into another covenant.

“Once that covenant is active, and you remain faithful to it, it works. God always remembers His covenant. One of the easiest ways to get God involved in your activities is by entering into a covenant with Him,” he added.

Speaking on the legacy he hopes to leave behind, the cleric said his ambition goes beyond personal recognition, revealing plans to establish a lasting spiritual institution dedicated to transforming lives through the preaching of God’s word and providing food for the hungry.

He explained that his vision is inspired by the ministry of Jesus Christ, who combined spiritual nourishment with practical acts of compassion and care for the needy.

“Christ came into the world, healed the sick, fed the people with the word of God and also provided physical food for the hungry.

“I have the intention of building a spiritual institution that will give life to the world through the administration of the word of God and feeding people with food.

“I pray that God will establish this institution and make it everlasting,” he said.

Obimma also expressed appreciation to his Archbishop for the unwavering support given to the ministry, emphasising that the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry is not a personal establishment but an officially recognised Archdiocesan ministry.

“I thank God for my Archbishop for his unflinching support. He has been highly supportive. The ministry is not for Ebube Muonso; it is an Archdiocesan ministry signed by the Bishop,” he clarified.

Looking into the future, the cleric expressed confidence that the ministry would outlive him, insisting that its continuity would depend on God’s ability to raise another person capable of carrying on the spiritual assignment.

“After our life here on earth, I know God will raise another person who will take over the mantle, and the Adoration Ministry will continue. I will be in heaven interceding for them,” he said.

His remarks underscore his desire to build an enduring spiritual legacy that will extend beyond his lifetime, ensuring that the ministry continues to serve the faithful and the wider society.
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