Our History
Founded over 70 years ago in service to humanity
From thirteen pioneer Sub-Councils in 1978 to two hundred and ninety-nine today.
Our Origin
How the association came to be
The Knights of St. Mulumba, a fraternal benefit Order of Catholic men, was founded by the late Monk Anselem Abraham Ojefua, who also founded two monasteries — one at Awhum, Enugu State, and the other at Illa in Delta State, his hometown.
The Order is named after St. Mulumba — Mathias Kalemba, one of the great martyrs of Uganda, who was the Mulumba of the King of Uganda. A devout, ardent and militant Catholic, he willingly, courageously and cheerfully laid down his life in the most excruciating form of death on 27 May 1886 rather than renounce his faith during the historical persecution of Christians in the kingdom.
Timeline
Milestones of the Order
1886
The martyrdom of St. Mulumba
Mathias Kalemba, the Mulumba of the King of Uganda, lays down his life on 27 May 1886 rather than renounce his Catholic faith. The founding fathers later chose him as patron of the Order to honour a great African defender of the faith.
1953
The Order is founded in Nigeria
The Knights of St. Mulumba, a fraternal benefit Order of Catholic men, is founded in October 1953 in Nigeria by the late Monk Anselem Abraham Ojefua.
Before 1978
Ladies serving in their zones
The Ladies of St. Mulumba operate independently in their various zones under different names, rendering service alongside the Knights.
1978
A national association is formed
By the grace of Almighty God and at the request of the Founder, the ladies are organised nationally as the Ladies of St. Mulumba, Nigeria (LSM).
18 March 1978
Formal inauguration at Ibadan
LSM Nigeria is formally inaugurated at the Pastoral Institute, Ibadan, Oyo State, under the guidance of His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Felix Job, Bishop of Ibadan; the then Supreme Knight of the Order, Mr. D.E.A. da Silva of Ibadan Sub-Council; and Grand Knights from other Sub-Councils.
1978
Thirteen pioneer Sub-Councils
The pioneer Sub-Councils at the inaugural meeting were Asaba, Benin, Calabar, Enugu, Ibadan, Ishan, Jos, Kaduna, Lagos, Onitsha, Owerri, Umuahia and Warri.
Today
Two hundred and fifty Sub-Councils
Since the inception of the association, the number of subordinate councils has risen from thirteen to two hundred and fifty, organised today across nine Metros.
1978
The thirteen pioneer Sub-Councils
Present at the inaugural meeting at the Pastoral Institute, Ibadan.
- Asaba
- Benin
- Calabar
- Enugu
- Ibadan
- Ishan
- Jos
- Kaduna
- Lagos
- Onitsha
- Owerri
- Umuahia
- Warri