Stop twisting Catholic law on godparenting Soludo’s aide tells Obi’s supporters

Daniel Ezeigwe, media aide to Anambra State First Lady Dr Nonye Soludo, has advised supporters of presidential candidate Peter Obi to stop misinterpreting Catholic canon law regarding "godfather" or "godparent" in their claims about the First Lady's children. Canon law governs the Church's internal rules, rituals, and principles, and was the source of debate when Soludo disputed Obi's claims that he and his wife were godparents to her children.

Supporters of Obi have insisted he was correct, leading to various interpretations of the roles within the Church. Ezeigwe clarified in a press statement that supporters were free to interpret relationships as they chose, but should not present their personal views as the Church's definition of baptismal godparenting. Canon 873 states that a baptismal godparent, or sponsor, is a formally chosen individual responsible for the person being baptized.

Canon 877 requires sponsors' names to be recorded in the baptismal register alongside the minister and parents. Ezeigwe emphasized that the responsibility rests with the person designated as the sponsor and that marriage does not automatically transfer the role to a spouse. He stressed that the Church's records are precise and that arguments should be equally so, urging supporters to maintain logical reasoning.