Soludo's Aide Clarifies Catholic Law on Godparenting

Daniel Ezeigwe, the media aide to Anambra State First Lady Dr Nonye Soludo, addressed supporters of National Democratic Congress presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi, urging them to stop misinterpreting Catholic canon law concerning godparenting. This statement followed disputes over Obi's claims that he and his wife are godparents to Soludo's children.

Ezeigwe emphasized that while individuals may interpret relationships as they wish, they should not present personal interpretations as the official Catholic Church definition. He explained that a baptismal godparent, or sponsor, is formally chosen for the baptism and that marriage does not automatically confer the role of godparent to a spouse.

He referenced Canon 873 of the Code of Canon Law, which allows for one male or female sponsor, and Canon 877, which mandates the recording of sponsors' names in the baptismal register. Ezeigwe's remarks aimed to clarify the church's stance on the responsibilities and definitions of godparents.