The history of the advent of the missionaries in Ogbunike dates back to 1912, when Fr. Louis Ward Cssp and brother Adelme ward Cssp first visited Chief Ezechukwu Obidimma of Azu, Ogbunike. The visit was blessed with the donation of 15 plots of land to be used in construction of both church and burial ground.
In 1931, Ogbamgba primary school (formerly St. Vincent’s Catholic school) was constructed. In 1943, Fr. Tansi decided to transfer in Ogbamgba, Azu Ogbunike to a central place in Ogbunike. A new site in Nkwo Amawa Ogbunike was offered and accepted. Fr. Tansi first moved the school and parish much later on but some people did not like the decision and in protest began to make contributions to build a church in their village. It took them 30years (1978 – 2008) to achieve this dream.
The Parish was inaugurated on 11th January 2004. The pioneer parish Priest was Rev. Fr Ignatius Okonkwo, 2004 – 2006. The second Parish Priest was Rev. Fr Gabriel Okoye, 2006 – 2010. The third Parish Priest was Rev. Fr Augustine Okonkwo, 2010-2016. The forth Parish Priest was Rev. Fr Augustine Ezeanya, 2016-2023. The incumbent Parish Priest is Rev. Fr Jude Kelechi Ugwu.
St. Stephen Parish Ogbunike is not a large Parish as it is made up of a village in Ogbunike namely Azu Village. It is made up of eleven kindred summed up to two quarters namely: Umuru quarter and Ofezi quarter. The Parishioners are not very many but over 60% of the whole village population. The Parish has an Outstation known as Blessed Iwene Tansi Station. The station is majorly non-indigens and they are growing consistently.
The special event in the parish took place on December 26th 2023, when His Lorship Most Rev. Denis Isizoh celebrated the feast day of St. Stephen with us in a profound way. Finally to the glory of God, we are united in faith and love.