By joshua Christ Chosen Church Explains Retirement of Apostle Pius Igberase, Denies Bribery Allegations
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The leadership of Christ Chosen Church of God International has spoken for the first time on the retirement of its former Director of Administration, Apostle Pius Igberase, and the viral social media publications surrounding it.
In a statement released today in Benin City, and signed by Secretary General Apostle Jones Ikibeh and Church PRO, Apostle Newton Egharevba, the Church said the decision followed an internal disciplinary process.
According to the Church, concerns were raised after the Spiritual Leader returned from a 3-month working visit on 18th May 2026.
Apostle Igberase was alleged to have usurped the Spiritual Leader’s authority, used inciting words against leadership, worn an unapproved cassock during the 2026 Baptism Service, and engaged in disorderly conduct during the Women’s Convention.
Other allegations include promoting tribalism and failing to provide household leadership according to church standards.
On 10th June, he was queried, and on 12th June, a 21-member Special Disciplinary Panel chaired by Apostle E. Akugue sat on the matter.
The panel found the explanations unsatisfactory and recommended dismissal. However, the Church says the Spiritual Leader, in his discretion, approved retirement instead, with full severance benefits — a move described as an act of restraint.
The Church also debunked claims circulating online that panel members were paid 1 million naira each to influence the outcome. It described the videos and documents in circulation as edited and misleading.
The Church further raised concerns over threats by some supporters to lock church branches and cause unrest, saying it will invoke the law to protect its properties.
Christ Chosen Church is urging members and the public to rely only on official church channels and to avoid sharing unverified information capable of causing division.
The statement reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to due process, unity, and its mission of spreading the Gospel.