The uncontrollable tide of death has swept away the former Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Sunday Mbang, onto eternal home of mortals, the Church has announced.
This is the third popular clergyman from the fold of Fathers of Faith in Akwa Ibom State to have died in two months.
Before now, Archbishop Elijah Mboho of Goodnews Evangelical Church, Midim, Abak and Bishop Moswill Umoh of Rapture Trust Ministries Inc, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, Ukanafun had left for the eternal home of all mortals.
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A press release signed the Secretary of the Church Conference, The Rt. Rev. Babatunde A. Taiwo, said clergyman died Tuesday, May 16, 2023, after serving the Methodist Church for 44 years.
According to the release, Mbang was the first Patriarch’s Chaplain and Bishop of Tinubu. He was also the only person to be both Patriarch and Prelate.
The release noted that Mbang was the longest serving Head of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, first Methodist President of Christian Association of Nigeria.
The release said the deceased left behind the Church and his children, and maintained that he would surely and sorely be missed by the church.
He was born on August 26, 1936 in Idua, Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Mbang attended Effoi Group School, Eket, St. Michael’s School, Aba; Salvation Army School, Akai Ubium; Government School, Eket; Methodist Boys’ High School, Oron; Methodist Higher Elementary College, Uzuakoli and Trinity College, Umuahia.
To further adorn his educational nest, Mbang attended University of Ibadan; Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1975; Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 1975-78 and University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he bagged Doctor of Divinity in 2006.
He was a teacher, Methodist Boys’ High School, Oron; Probational Minister, Methodist Church, Ete, Egwanga (now Ikot Abasi); Tutor/Chaplain, Methodist Boys’ High School, Oron; Lecturer, Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan between 1978 and 1979.
The former Prelate served as Chaplain, Patriarch, Methodist Church of Nigeria and Bishop of Tinubu, 1979-84; Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria; Christian Council of Nigeria and Christian Association of Nigeria; Head of Methodist Churches, Africa; Trustee, Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan; trustee.
The clergyman also served as trustee, Young Women’s Christian Association of Nigeria; President, Christian Association of Nigeria; and Vice President, World Methodist Council of Churches.
Governor Udom mourns Mbang
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has sent his condolence to the family of the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Dr Sunday Mbang, CON, the Methodist Church of Nigeria, and indeed the Christian community on the sad passage of the eminent Nigerian cleric, at the age of 86.
In a statement released on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary/ Special Assistant, Media, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Emmanuel, said the passage of the renowned Father in Faith is painful, but thank God for the life of impact he lived.
“You were a towering figure in the Nigerian Christian community, who, as the Patriarch/Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, for twenty two uninterrupted years, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the first Nigerian ever to head the World Methodist Council (WMC), brought honour to Nigeria and in the process won souls for Christ.
“One of your most endearing attributes was that you spoke truth to power, and was a champion for good governance, equity and justice.
“As the Co- Chairman of Nigerian Inter- Religious Council, you advocated a peaceful co-existence and tolerance of our religious diversity.
“I thank you most profoundly for the support and prayers you extended to me, since I came into public service, and most especially, the last almost eight years as the Governor of this State.
“You have been the Leader of our Fathers in Faith, and a tireless and passionate believer in the Akwa Ibom Exceptionalism, Godliness and moral rectitude.
“Nigeria will miss you, the Christian community will miss you, and our dear people will miss you deeply.
“May your soul rest in peace,” the statement stated.
