A major leadership shake-up has hit Tansian University, Umunya, Anambra State as the proprietors, the Missionary Servants of the Church (MSC) also known as Missionary Sons of Blessed Tansi (MST), have terminated the appointment of their Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Edwin Obiorah, SAN, who also served as the institution’s legal adviser.
The MSC/MST also distanced itself from Obiorah’s claim as the Chancellor, insisting that he imposed himself as Chancellor.
In a strongly worded letter dated February 23, 2026, and referenced MST/MSC/GEN/EQLLAW/2026/106, the religious body announced the immediate termination of Obiorah’s legal representation across all its institutions, including Tansian University, Umunya, and other entities founded by the late Monsignor Prof. John Bosco Akam.
The letter, signed by Rev. Daniel I. Igwilo, Coordinator of the Missionary Sons of Blessed Tansi, and Bro. Paulde Silas Inuen, Secretary, cited “serious concerns” over Obiorah’s conduct, which they claim necessitated urgent action to safeguard the interests of the institution and its affiliated bodies.
Among the allegations listed were the conversion of institutional properties, false and misleading legal representations, and unauthorized assumption of authority in matters affecting the Missionary Sons of Blessed Tansi and its institutions. The letter further accused Obiorah of filing legal actions and court processes without proper authorization, as well as interfering with institutional legal procedures.
“This decision arises from serious concerns including, but not limited to, conversion of institutional properties, false and misleading legal representations, unauthorized exercise of authority, and interference with institutional legal processes,” the letter stated.
The termination notice follows an earlier correspondence dated February 5, 2026, in which Obiorah was asked to submit a comprehensive report on all legal and police matters concerning the institution for what was described as a “pastoral review.” However, subsequent developments reportedly prompted the MST leadership to take decisive action.
Effective immediately, Obiorah has been barred from acting or presenting himself as legal counsel for the Missionary Sons of Blessed Tansi, Tansian University, or any affiliated institution. He has also been instructed to cease all legal activities on behalf of the organization, including filing, defending, or appearing in any legal matters.
The MST further directed Obiorah to hand over all documents related to the institution’s legal affairs within seven days. These include case files, court processes, police records, correspondences, and any materials in his possession connected to ongoing or past legal engagements.
Additionally, he has been asked to provide a detailed written account of all ongoing cases, pending applications, and other legal matters he previously handled for the institution.
The letter emphasized that new legal counsel has already been engaged to review all existing cases and take necessary steps to protect the interests of the Missionary Sons of Blessed Tansi and its institutions.
Copies of the termination notice were sent to prominent stakeholders, including Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke and Prof. G.U. Akam, identified as the sole executor of the late Founder’s Will, as well as the MSC/MST legal team. In addition, a copy of the letter has also been forwarded to the National Universities Commission (NUC) for its information and necessary action.
As of the time of filing this report, Rev. Fr. Dr. Edwin Obiorah, SAN, has not publicly responded to the allegations or the termination of his roles. But sources revealed that during a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tansian University Umunya Limited by Guarantee held on Tuesday, Obiorah reacted strongly to the termination decision. According to attendees familiar with the proceedings, he allegedly issued strong threats to sack all members of the MSC/MST from the university.
The reported threat to remove MSC/MST members—who are central to the founding and administration of the institution—has particularly raised eyebrows among stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the MSC has maintained that new legal counsel has already been engaged to review all existing cases and ensure the protection of the institution’s interests.
Obiorah, who had previously served as the university’s external legal counsel and to its late founder, Very Rev. Msgr Prof John Bosco Akam, is reported to have continued in a dual role after the founder’s death, acting for both the institution and the MST. Following his elevation to chancellor of Tansian University, he is said to have surreptitiously assigned the university’s legal work to his private firm, Equity Chambers, based in Awka, the capital of Anambra state.
It will be recalled that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had earlier warned that Tansian University Umunya Limited by Guarantee, allegedly orchestrated by Obiorah, is not recognized by the Commission and was never gazetted as the proprietor of Tansian University. Both the Provisional License issued in 2007 and the Operational License granted in 2015 were issued to the Missionary Servants of the Church (MSC/MST) as the duly recognized proprietors, as officially gazetted.
Discussion about this post