MICHAEL EGBEJULE
On Sunday, July 5th, 2026, notable personalities gathered to honour former Edo State governor, Chief Dr. Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, during his investiture as a Knight of Saint Christopher of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
Among the attendees were the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, and the Chairman of the UNIBEN-Trust Development Fund, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), was also present.
Additionally, Colonel Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha (Rtd), a former military administrator of the defunct Bendel State and former Senator for Kogi West Senatorial District, was commissioned as a Knight of Saint Christopher.
The honour, bestowed in recognition of their unwavering Christian faith, dedicated service to the Church, exemplary leadership and contributions to humanity, was conferred during an investiture held at Saint Matthew’s Cathedral, Sokponba Road, Benin City.
The former Edo State Governor, Chief Dr. Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion and Colonel Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha Rtd. were invested as Knights of Saint Christopher, while their wives, Dame Eki Igbinedion and Dame Esther Ogbeha, were commissioned as Dames of Saint Mary.
The service, officiated by the Bishop of the Benin Diocese, the Right Reverend Peter Imasuen, featured the administration of oaths and solemn pledges to defend the Christian faith and uphold godly living, as twenty-six men and thirty-one women received certificates of investiture, after oath taking and declaration of pledges.
In a sermon, Methodist Bishop of Edo Delta, the Rt. Reverend Nosakhare Nosayaba urged Christians to cherish a Name Greater than the Sword.
According to the church, the investiture is in recognition of their steadfast Christian faith, commitment to the growth of the Church, integrity, and selfless service to humanity.
In their separate remarks at the end of the colourful ceremony, the new knights of Saint Christopher and Saint Mary of the Anglican Communion appreciated God and leadership of the Church of Nigeria for the honour bestowed on them.
The investiture coincided with the celebration of the 65th birthday of Bishop of Benin diocese of the Anglican Communion, the Rt. reverend Peter OJ Imasuen.
Some distinguished members of the church were presented episcopal awards by the Bishop.
Patriarch of the House of Igbinedion and father of the former governor of Edo State/ Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, was highly elated with the investiture of his son Chief Lucky Igbinedion.
The new knights are now to be addressed as Sir and dame following a successful investiture by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
