Rev. Fr. Michael Sunday Ogunyinka Appointed Lead Chaplain of the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy in England and Wales

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) appoints Rev. Fr. Michael Sunday Ogunyinka, a priest of the Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, as Lead Chaplain of the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy in England and Wales, with effect from 1 January 2026.

Rev. Fr. Ogunyinka is a seasoned and highly experienced priest who has served the Church in a wide range of pastoral and administrative capacities. Over the years, he has exercised responsibilities in parish leadership, diocesan administration, and the coordination of pastoral initiatives, demonstrating pastoral prudence, administrative competence, and a deep commitment to the mission of the Church. These experiences commend him for the role of Lead Chaplain, which entails pastoral coordination, the fostering of ecclesial communion, and the promotion of sound pastoral practice among Nigerian Catholic faithful and clergy in the diaspora.
His appointment is subject to the norms and pastoral directives governing chaplaincies under the authority of the Archdiocese of Westminster, within whose jurisdiction the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy in England and Wales operates.
The appointment of Rev. Fr. Ogunyinka follows the completion of the tenure of Rev. Fr. Alexander Izang Atu, a priest of the Archdiocese of Jos, who served as Lead Chaplain of the Nigerian Catholic Chaplaincy in England and Wales until 31 December 2025. During his tenure, Fr. Atu provided pastoral leadership and coordination across the Chaplaincy, offering devoted service to Nigerian Catholic faithful in the diaspora and fostering unity among clergy and communities through sacramental ministry, pastoral accompaniment, and community-building initiatives.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria expresses its deep appreciation for the dedicated and faithful service rendered by Rev. Fr. Atu as Lead Chaplain and commends his pastoral ministry as one marked by commitment, sacrifice, and a strong sense of ecclesial responsibility. The Conference also commends both the outgoing and incoming chaplains to the prayers of the faithful and reiterates its gratitude to the Archdiocese of Westminster for its continued pastoral care and generous support of Nigerian Catholics in England and Wales.