By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Regional Vicar of the Agbor Region and Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, Very Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwuma, collapsed and died while delivering his homily during the New Year’s Eve Mass on Wednesday, 31 December, 2025, bringing a sudden and poignant end to a distinguished 35-year priestly ministry.
The tragic incident unfolded before hundreds of parishioners who had gathered to usher in the New Year, only to witness their spiritual father transition from the pulpit to eternity in what many have described as the ultimate act of “active service.”
The atmosphere inside the sanctuary was one of deep spiritual fervor as Fr. Chukwuma, a native of Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, rose to proclaim the Word of God. Widely known for his eloquence and incisive preaching, the seasoned cleric and legal practitioner was midway through his homily when he suddenly faltered and slumped to the floor of the sanctuary.
Joy instantly gave way to panic as the Cross-Over service turned into a medical emergency. Medical personnel among the congregation rushed to the altar and immediately began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Despite their efforts and the urgency with which he was rushed to a nearby hospital, Fr. Chukwuma was pronounced dead before arrival. The news plunged the Agbor community into profound shock and grief.
Remarkably, the sudden death of the lead celebrant did not bring the Holy Mass to an abrupt end. In keeping with Catholic liturgical tradition, which holds that the Eucharistic sacrifice transcends the individual priest, one assistant priest accompanied Fr. Chukwuma to the hospital, while the other courageously continued the Eucharistic Celebration.
With heavy hearts, the congregation proceeded through the Consecration and Communion, navigating the painful paradox of receiving the Bread of Life while mourning the priest who had prepared it for them. “It was the most difficult ‘Amen’ we have ever said,” a parishioner later recalled. “While the worker fell, the work of God continued.”
Fr. Stephen Chukwuma was a pillar of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku and belonged to a generation of priests who helped shape its modern identity. Ordained in 1990 by the now-retired Bishop Anthony Gbuji, his priesthood spanned three and a half decades of unwavering service.
Beyond his pastoral calling, he was also a trained legal practitioner, earning him the distinctive title “Father-Barrister.” This rare blend of law and theology enabled him to serve the Church with notable intellectual depth and administrative precision. His eventual appointment as Regional Vicar of Agbor reflected the high esteem in which he was held by the diocesan hierarchy.
Consequently, his passing is regarded not only as a personal loss to the people of Akumazi-Umuocha and Boji-Boji Agbor, but also as a significant void in the spiritual and administrative life of the entire Agbor Region.
As the Diocese of Issele-Uku and the wider Catholic community come to terms with the tragedy, the prevailing sentiment is one of sorrow mixed with reverent awe. Many draw consolation from the belief that Fr. Stephen did not retreat in the face of weakness but remained at his post until his final heartbeat.
His death on the final day of the year stands as a poignant bookend to a life fully given to the Gospel. Having served both the earthly courtroom and the sacred altar, his colleagues believe he has now been called to the presence of the Chief High Priest.
While funeral arrangements are awaited, prayers continue for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of parishioners who witnessed his final moments. Very Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwuma served faithfully, preached fervently, and ultimately laid down his life in the very place he loved most—the sanctuary of the Lord.
His story remains one of unwavering commitment. He did not retire from service; he stood his ground until the end. As the Diocese prepares for his final rites, the faithful take solace in the belief that Christ has welcomed home a servant who remained at his post until the very last second of the year.
