The Catholic Church in Delta State has been thrown into mourning following the death of Very Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Stephen Chukwudumebi Chukwuma, a revered priest, lawyer, lecturer and author, who passed on December 31, 2025, while preaching his final sermon at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor.
Fr. Chukwuma, who was born on June 5, 1962, to Pa Benedict and Madam Elizabeth Chukwuma of Idumu Obi Quarter, Akumazi-Umuocha in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, reportedly died at the same church where he began his spiritual journey as a young altar server decades earlier.
Educated at Ngala Primary School and Ika Grammar School, the late cleric proceeded to pursue priestly formation, earning a Diploma in Religious Studies, a Bachelor of Theology from Sts. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan, and further studies at Urban University, Rome. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1990 by Bishop Anthony Gbuji at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor.
Over the years, Fr. Chukwuma served the Church in various capacities, including as Dean of Students at St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year Campus, Ekpoma (1990–1995), Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor, and a member of the Delta State Pilgrims Board. He also ministered in several parishes across the state, witnessing the dedication of churches such as St. Charles Catholic Church, Ubulu-Uku, and St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Asaba.
Notably, he played a key role in the establishment of several parishes, including St. Martin of Tours Parish, Igbodo; St. Theresa’s Parish, Obior; Immaculate Conception Parish, Isheagu; and St. Augustine’s Parish, Asaba. Beyond pastoral work, he lectured at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, and distinguished himself as a legal practitioner, author and publisher.
One of his notable publications, “My Journey as a Priest and a Lawyer,” chronicled his unique path in combining faith, law and public service. He remained actively involved in community and traditional affairs until his final days, including attending the 60th birthday celebration of the Obi of Akumazi on December 27, 2025.
In a tribute, Hon. (Sir) Wallace Osoanimgba Okafor described the late priest as a man whose life “preached louder than words,” noting that his death at the very altar where he first served as a boy symbolised a divinely completed journey.
Fr. Stephen Chukwudumebi Chukwuma is remembered for his intellectual depth, pastoral dedication and lifelong commitment to service. He is survived by family members, parishioners, students and admirers across the Church and society.
