- **Bishop Stranded:** Kenneth Obi stuck in Nigeria for 62 days.
- **Lost Green Card:** The reason for his travel nightmare.
- **Airline Trouble:** Delta Airlines refused boarding without new documents.
- **Embassy Help:** U.S. Embassy intervention secured his return.
- **Gratitude Expressed:** Bishop thanks supporters for their assistance.
Bishop’s Nigerian Trip Turns Sour
What was meant to be a celebratory trip to Nigeria turned into a stressful ordeal for Bishop Kenneth Obi, Senior Pastor of Divine World International Church of God in Christ (COGIC). He traveled to Nigeria on February 18, 2025, to mark his 17th anniversary as a COGIC Bishop and 20 years as a COGIC Pastor. Little did he know, disaster was looming.
The Missing Green Card: The Beginning of the Ordeal
The celebrations took a turn for the worse when Bishop Obi discovered his green card was missing. Imagine the panic! He promptly filed a police report and court affidavit, even providing a photograph of the missing card. But it wasn’t enough.
Delta Airlines Says NO!
Despite his efforts, Delta Airline officials in Lagos wouldn’t let him board his flight back to the United States. They insisted he needed fresh travel documents from the American Embassy. This left him stranded in Nigeria from March 19, his original return date. Can you imagine being stuck in a foreign country because of a missing document? Nightmare!
Living on Charity, Family in Distress
During those 62 days, Bishop Obi relied on the generosity of others. Back in the U.S., his family faced hardship, worried sick about their loved one stranded thousands of miles away.
Embassy to the Rescue!
Finally, on May 21, after more than two months of frustration, the American Embassy in Lagos issued the necessary documents. Bishop Obi was finally cleared to travel back to the United States. Relief washed over him as he boarded a Delta Airline flight to Atlanta, Georgia.
Gratitude and Reflections
Before his flight, Bishop Obi expressed deep gratitude to The Guardian for highlighting his plight. The media attention spurred swift action from his church and U.S. authorities. He also thanked the leadership of COGIC, including Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard, and U.S. officials like Senator Warnock’s office director Charles Spry.
“I thank my Pastor, Bishop Paul Fortson, Regional Bishop Norman Harper… and many others who prayed for me,” Bishop Obi said. He also acknowledged the support from his classmates, league members, and community, who made his ordeal bearable.
Accusations Against Delta Airline Officials
Known as the People’s Bishop, Obi criticized Delta Airline officials in Nigeria, accusing them of rudeness and lack of assistance. He questioned their policy of only helping travelers with expired green cards, wondering why they couldn’t assist someone with a misplaced but valid card. Delta has yet to comment on the specific allegations.
Looking Ahead
Despite the ordeal, Bishop Obi remains hopeful. He is determined to support his family and recover from the challenges caused by his prolonged stay in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding essential documents and expressed disappointment in Delta Airline’s handling of his case.
A Call for Empathy and Improved Communication
Bishop Obi called for greater empathy and improved communication in addressing similar situations. He stressed that timely support could have significantly reduced the stress and uncertainty he experienced. His story serves as a reminder of the human impact of bureaucratic processes and the need for compassion.
Additional Information
The U.S. Department of State offers guidance on lost or stolen passports and green cards abroad. It is advisable to make copies of important documents and store them separately when traveling.