Gboko Diocese Takes Action Against Priest Abandoning Parish Duties.
Gboko Diocese Takes Action Against Priest Abandoning Parish Duties.
A Catholic priest from the Diocese of Gboko in Benue State, Rev. Fr. David Golodzo, has been suspended from performing priestly duties due to an extended and unauthorized absence from his assigned parish. The suspension was officially communicated through a letter dated September 4, 2025, signed by Most Rev. William Avenya, Bishop of Gboko Diocese.
The bishop’s letter explained that Fr. Golodzo was originally appointed to serve at St. Edward Parish in Uga as an Associate Priest but had allegedly absconded from his duties for an extended period without obtaining proper permission from church authorities. The Diocese made multiple efforts to contact the priest and request his return, but these attempts were unsuccessful.
Referring to the provisions of the Catholic Canon Law, Bishop Avenya stated that clergy are bound by vows of obedience and are required to remain at their designated assignments unless lawfully permitted to leave. The prolonged absence without authorization is considered a serious canonical violation, warranting disciplinary action.
As a result, Fr. Golodzo has been suspended from the public celebration of Holy Mass, administering sacraments, and participating in public acts of worship. However, the bishop clarified that the priest is still permitted to celebrate Mass privately and attend to urgent spiritual needs, such as in cases of imminent death, in accordance with Church law.
The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in force until the priest ceases what the Diocese termed “contumacy”—persistent disobedience. The Bishop’s decision was also communicated to the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria for official records. As of now, Rev. Fr. Golodzo has not publicly responded to the suspension.
