Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia (Nigeria), was born on 1 March 1963, in Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State. After attending local schools, he entered the Bigard Memorial Major Seminary, in Ikot-Ekpene and Enugu, in 1983, where he studied philosophy and theology (1983-1992).

He was ordained a priest on 22 August 1992 and incardinated in the diocese of Awka.

After ordination, he held the following positions: 1992 - 1995: assistant secretary to the bishop and procurator of the bishop’s residence; 1993 - 1995: member, Aguata Local Goverment Education; 1995 - 1997: higher studies at CIWA, Port Harcourt; 1997 - 1999: chaplain at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and financial administrator of the diocese; 1999 - 2002: higher studies in canon law in Rome, at the University of the Holy Cross; 2002-2011: chancellor of the diocese of Awka, secretary of the diocesan Pastoral Council, secretary of the Presbyteral Council and College of Deans, diocesan examiner; since 1995: member of the Canon Law Society of Nigeria; since 2002: member of the College of Consultors; since 2005: member of the Committee for the Creation of Dioceses; since 2007: judge at the Inter-Diocesan Court of Onitsha; since 2011; and parish priest of the Saints John and Paul parish, Umubele, Awka. On 7 December 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him bishop of Ahiara.

On 5 March 2020, the Holy Father Francis appointed him the first bishop of the Diocese of Ekwulobia.

Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of 27 August 2022, of the Title of Ss. Martiri dell’Uganda a Poggio Ameno.

Member of:

• Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life.