The Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan has been made aware of a programme broadcast on Agidigbo 88.7 FM Radio on Friday, 2nd May 2025.The broadcast has also been disseminated on social media.In the broadcast,a certain female guest, Kate Odjegba, claimed that she was impregnated by a Rev.Father under our ccclesiastical jurisdiction.

After investigation,we are able to categorically state that this accusation is entirely false, malicious, and deeply injurious to the integrity of the Catholic Church and her clergy.

It is a matter of verifiable public record that:

1.The woman in question,while she was once associated with a parish within our Archdiocese, has never been pregnant, as multiple independent medical tests and scans carried out by certified professionals have definitively shown.

2.Prior to approaching Agidigbo FM,this same individual had made similar accusations through other public channels, where, after due interrogation and assessment, her claims were dismissed as entirely unfounded and indicative of mental health struggles.

3.Contrary to her claims of sustained and repeated sexual encounters, there are witnesses who can testify that the limited interaction she had with the priest was when she presented herself to solicit financial assistance.

There were no closed-door meetings,and certainly no form of relationship.The text messages she alluded to are non-existent and are mere fabrications.

4.Records of this case and all associated false claims were initially handled by two different Police stations and same were dismissed for lacking truth.

5.The details of the condition of this sister of ours are well-known to many in her community EXCEPT Agidigbo FM who volunteered,for reasons best known to them,to champion her cause.

 

It is unfortunate and decply regrettable that Agidigbo 88.7 FM, a media institution that ought to uphold the principles of truth, responsibility, and fairness, chose to broadcast such a serious claim without conducting even the most basic form of journalistic verification.

The thirst for cheap publicity and the rush to publicize a scandal without truth has now caused considerable rcputational harm and sowed confusion, not only among the Christian faithful but also the entire public.

In response to the broadcast interview on Agidigbo FM,the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan took steps to address the matter with care.On Friday, 9th May 2025, representatives of the Archdiocese visited the station to engage directly with the individual involved,in the presence of Agidigbo FM's management.

In the interest of truth, and with due regard for the dignity of all parties, we requested that a pregnancy test be conducted at a medical facility designated by Agidigbo FM. Upon mutual agreement, the test was carried out and same came out negative.

The Church will not condone this malicious claim and has instructed a law firm to take ALL legal means to ensure that Agidigbo 88.7 FM realizes its journalistic lapse and take concrete steps to repair the harm already caused.

The Catholic Church stands on the side of truth, justice, and moral rectitude. We are ever willing to cooperate with lawful authoritics in the pursuit of justice but will never permit the name of the Church to be defamed without consequence.

We therefore appeal to members of the public not to fall prey to the spread of malicious and sensationalized information, and to remain vigilant in distinguishing berween truth and deceit.

We especially urge the media who are called to be instruments of truth and societal guidance to practice their sacred duty with integrity, responsibility, and professional diligence.

Let us be reminded of the Scriptural admonition: "Yo shall not bear false witness against your neighbour”(Exodus 20:16).The Church, as the body of Christ, remains committed to protecting the dignity of every person while upholding the moral fabric of our community.

May justice, truth, and peace prevail.

Very Rev.Fr.Anthony Omolade

Chancellor, Arcbdiocese of Ibadan

CATHOLICARCHDIOCESE OF IBADAN

NIGERIA