By Fr. Anthony Adetayo

A new era of leadership has begun for the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy in England and Wales with the appointment of Rev. Fr. Michael Sunday Ogunyinka as the new Lead Chaplain, effective January 1, 2026.

Fr. Ogunyinka, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode ordained in 2008, assumes the mantle of leadership following the successful completion of the tenure of Rev. Fr. Alexander Izang Atu of the Jos Archdiocese. Fr. Atu concluded his service on December 31, 2025.

A New Leadership Team

Alongside the appointment of the Lead Chaplain, the Chaplaincy announced a restructuring of its assistant leadership team to strengthen its pastoral mission in the UK:

• First Assistant Chaplain: Rev. Fr. Jude Ashibekong Ishiekwe (Ogoja Diocese), formerly the second assistant, has been elevated to the position of First Assistant Chaplain.
• Second Assistant Chaplain: Rev. Fr. James Auta Micah (Diocese of Lafia) has been appointed to this role for an initial tenure of three years, renewable once.

Fr. Ogunyinka’s mandate as Lead Chaplain is set to run until December 2027.

The official handover ceremony took place on December 20, 2025, at the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy in London. The event marked a moment of gratitude for Fr. Atu’s dedicated service and a warm welcome for the incoming team.

While Fr. Ogunyinka has officially assumed duties as of New Year’s Day, the faithful are preparing for his formal Installation Ceremony, scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026.

This transition marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian Catholic community in the diaspora, ensuring continued spiritual guidance and pastoral care for Nigerians living in England and Wales.