The Catholic Diocese of Gboko in Benue State has suspended one of its priests, Rev. Fr. David Golodzo, from the exercise of sacred ministry over prolonged and unauthorized absence from duty.
A document bearing the official letterhead of the Diocese and dated September 4, 2025, revealed that the decision was taken by the Bishop of the Gboko Diocese, Most Rev. William Avenya.
According to the letter addressed to Rev. Fr. Golodzo, the priest was assigned to St. Edward Parish, Uga, as an Associate Priest but allegedly absconded from his place of assignment for extended periods without obtaining the required permission from his proper ecclesiastical authority.
The Bishop cited provisions of the Code of Canon Law, which require clerics to observe obedience and to remain resident in their place of assignment unless lawfully permitted otherwise. The letter stated that several efforts by the Diocese to have the priest return to his duty post proved unsuccessful.
Invoking Canon Law, Bishop Avenya noted that prolonged absence from one’s place of assignment constitutes a grave violation that attracts canonical sanctions. As a result, the Diocese imposed a suspension prohibiting Rev. Fr. Golodzo from the public celebration of Holy Mass, the administration of sacraments, and participation in public acts of worship.
However, the letter clarified that the suspended priest is permitted to celebrate Holy Mass privately and to attend to the spiritual needs of the faithful only in cases of danger of death, in accordance with Church law.
The suspension takes immediate effect upon communication and will remain in force until the priest ceases from what the Diocese described as contumacy.
The document was signed by Bishop William Avenya and co-signed by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Wende. A copy was also reportedly forwarded to the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria for official records.
As of the time of filing this report, Rev. Fr. David Golodzo has not made any public statement regarding the suspension.
