The Bishop of Buea, Mgr Michael Bibi, and his predecessor, Mgr Emmanuel Bushu, have officially reconciled after a recent rift that led to Bibi banning Bushu from celebrating Mass in the Diocese.
The reconciliation took place during the national episcopal conference that concluded in Maroua on Sunday, January 14.
In a pastoral letter issued on Monday, Bishop Bibi announced the lifting of the ban, stating that the issues between them had been amicably resolved.
“I am happy to inform all the clergy, the religious, and Christ’s Lay faithful in the Diocese of Buea, and all the people of goodwill, that the issues between us have been amicably resolved,” wrote Bishop Bibi.
“By this Circular, I am hereby lifting the
prohibition on the Emeritus Bishop from concelebrating with me or celebrating public
Masses in the Diocese of Buea,” he added.
The ban on Bishop Bushu had been imposed on November 22, 2023, as revealed in a private letter that leaked out last week.
In the letter, Bishop Bibi cited “deep opposition and interference” from his predecessor, which has led to an absence of communion between them.
Bishop Bushu, in an apology letter circulated on Monday, distanced himself from any allegations of destabilising Bishop Bibi’s administration.
He expressed regret if he had given the impression of retaining authority over certain works or institutions in the diocese, pledging his support for Bishop Bibi as the rightful authority.
“I am happy to inform the faithful of Buea Diocese and all the people of goodwill that all the misunderstandings between us have been resolved,” the retired bishop said.
The roots of the conflict extended beyond the personal relationship between the bishops.
It is a longstanding conflict between Bishop Bibi’s administration and some members of the diocese, led by Rev. Fr. George Nkeze, the former President of the Catholic University Institute of Buea (CUIB).
Rev. Nkeze has seriously opposed Bishop Bibi for the past three years, claiming control of some Diocesan properties, including the CUIB.
On May 29, 2020, Bishop Bibi replaced Nkeze with History Professor Julius Victor Ngoh as president of CUIB.
Nkeze stiffly resisted the reform but became concerned two months later.
He, however, continued to maintain influence over some Diocesan property, including some bank accounts.
The tussle between Bishop Bibi and Rev Nkeze had fueled suspicions that Bishop Bushu was covertly supporting Nkeze, who had gained influence during Bushu’s tenure as Bishop.
However, in his recent statement, Bishop Bushu clarified that he had never sided with any faction to undermine Bishop Bibi’s leadership.
Bishop Emmanuel Bushu officially retired from his duties on December 28, 2019, as per the canon law of the Catholic Church, having reached the age of 75.
Mgr. Michael Bibi, who was previously the Auxiliary Bishop of Bamenda, assumed the role of Apostolic Administrator of Buea in January 2020 and was later appointed as the Bishop a year later.
The resolution of the conflict between the bishops is anticipated to bring a sense of calm to the Diocese of Buea, allowing for a renewed focus on the spiritual well-being of the clergy and the faithful.
