MOST REV. HILARY ODILI OKEKE
Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke
Most Rev. Dr. Hilary Paul Odilinyechukwu Okeke is a Nigerian Catholic bishop, canon lawyer, educator, and the first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi. Born on 21 January 1947 in Utuh, present-day Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, he has played a significant role in the growth of the Catholic Church in Nigeria through pastoral leadership, ecclesiastical administration, canon law scholarship, and evangelization.
Early Life and Family Background
Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odilinyechukwu Okeke was born on 21 January 1947 to the Catholic family of the late Mr. Emmanuel Nwaenechukwu Okeke and Mrs. Magdalene Nwameme Okeke (née Okonkwo) of Nkete Utuh in present-day Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria.
He enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by his parents, siblings, cousins, and extended family members. His maternal grandmother, Lolo Ndiomalake Okonkwo, later baptized as Maria, had a profound influence on his early spiritual formation.
Growing up near the former Mbanesi District Offices and District Court in Utuh exposed him to people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, helping him develop a broad outlook and ecumenical spirit from an early age.
Education and Early Schooling
Hilary began his formal education at St. Peter Claver’s Catholic School, Utuh, in 1952. Despite interruptions caused by ill health, he excelled academically and was mentored by several notable educators, including Mr. Emmanuel O. Obi, who became one of his greatest inspirations.
His teachers included Clement Akaeze, Gregory Obidike, Daniel Onyejuluwa, Matthias Onwukwalu, and others who helped nurture his intellectual development and lifelong love of reading.
By 1959, he had already passed entrance examinations into several prestigious secondary schools, including Father Joseph’s Secondary School, Aguleri, and Abbot Boys’ Secondary School, Ihiala.
Call to the Priesthood
In 1960, after successfully passing the entrance examination to Christ the King College, Onitsha, Hilary chose instead to pursue a vocation to the priesthood.
Encouraged by Fr. Godfrey Mary Paul Okoye, C.S.Sp., later Bishop of Port Harcourt and Enugu, he entered All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha, in 1961.
His years at the seminary were marked by intellectual excellence, creativity, leadership, and active participation in drama, journalism, carpentry, printing, and student publications.
Seminary Formation and the Nigerian Civil War
Hilary continued his formation at Bigard Memorial Seminary during the turbulent years of the Nigerian Civil War.
The seminary relocated several times due to the conflict, including stays at Afaha Obong, Amaimo, and Amakohia. Despite the challenges of war, he successfully completed his philosophical studies in 1970 and proceeded to theological studies.
His experiences during the war years strengthened his resilience and commitment to service.
Priestly Ordination and Early Ministry
On 16 September 1973, he was ordained a deacon.
On 20 April 1974, he was ordained a Catholic priest by Archbishop Francis Arinze at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Onitsha.
The following day, 21 April 1974, he celebrated his first Holy Mass at St. Peter Claver’s Church, Utuh, becoming the third Catholic priest from the town.
Following his ordination, he was assigned to establish and develop Chukwubueze Parish in Ogbaru, where he served for four years.
His ministry in Ogbaru was marked by vigorous evangelization, pastoral innovation, church expansion, and community development. During this period, he earned the affectionate title “Nna Ora” from the local people.
Higher Education and Canon Law Studies
Recognizing his exceptional abilities, Archbishop Francis Arinze sent him to Rome for advanced studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical Urban University.
During his studies, he worked with distinguished canon law scholars and completed practical tribunal training in Dublin, Ireland.
His doctoral thesis focused on:
“The Juridical Status of the Baptized Non-Catholics and Their Communities in Canon Law: An Analytical Study of Its Evolution in Recent Ecclesiastical Legislation in the Ecumenical Context.”
His academic training established him as one of Nigeria’s foremost canon law experts.
Academic and Administrative Career
Upon returning to Nigeria in 1982, Fr. Okeke was appointed Judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Onitsha.
He later served in several educational and administrative roles, including:
- Teacher at Boys’ High School, Onitsha
- Supervisor (Special Duties), State Education Commission
- Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt
- Episcopal Vicar for the Clergy
- Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Onitsha
He also served on numerous diocesan councils and committees and was elected President of the Onitsha Archdiocesan Priests’ Association (ONAPA) during the Great Jubilee Year 2000.
Contributions to Canon Law
Msgr. Okeke became one of the leading canon lawyers in Nigeria.
He reorganized the Onitsha Archdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal and trained numerous canonists.
He served as:
- Founding member of the Canon Law Society of Nigeria
- Secretary of the Canon Law Society of Nigeria
- President of the Canon Law Society of Nigeria
- Member of the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland
He was also appointed an expert (Peritus) to the Nigerian delegation at the African Synod and contributed significantly to the development of Canon Law in Nigeria.
Appointment as First Bishop of Nnewi
On 29 November 2001, Pope John Paul II established the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi and appointed Rt. Msgr. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke as its first bishop.
He was episcopally ordained on 10 February 2002 by Archbishop Osbaldo Padilla.
His appointment marked a historic moment for the Catholic faithful of Nnewi and the wider region.
Episcopal Ministry and Legacy
As the founding Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Bishop Okeke laid the foundations for the growth and development of the diocese.
His episcopal ministry has been characterized by:
- Evangelization
- Clergy formation
- Educational development
- Canon law administration
- Ecumenical dialogue
- Church expansion
His leadership has helped establish Nnewi Diocese as one of the vibrant dioceses in Nigeria.
Travels and International Engagements
Throughout his ministry, Bishop Okeke has travelled extensively across Africa, Europe, and North America.
These international engagements have broadened his pastoral outlook and strengthened his contributions to ecclesiastical governance and theological scholarship.
Personal Motto
Bishop Okeke attributes all his achievements to divine grace.
His episcopal motto is:
“By His Grace, I Am What I Am”
inspired by 1 Corinthians 15:10:
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain.”
Awards, Honours, and Recognition
Throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry, Bishop Okeke has received numerous honours and recognitions for his contributions to evangelization, education, canon law, and church leadership.
See Also
- Catholic Diocese of Nnewi
- Francis Cardinal Arinze
- Catholic Church in Nigeria
- Archdiocese of Onitsha
- Canon Law Society of Nigeria
References
Historical records of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Archdiocese of Onitsha archives, ecclesiastical publications, and biographical records of Most Rev. Hilary Paul Odili Okeke.
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