A deepening leadership crisis rocking the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria has taken a new turn following a Federal High Court, Abuja, ruling that nullified recent changes to the church’s legal status.
The Federal High Court had ordered that the church revert to its former name, United Methodist Church in Nigeria, citing procedural irregularities in its re-registration process.
The judgment arose from a suit filed by Ben Simon and three others against the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and additional parties.
The court ruled that amendments made on October 19, 2024, including changes to the church’s board of trustees, were “unlawful, invalid, null and void.”
As part of the ruling, the court reaffirmed the plaintiffs as the legally recognized trustees of the church.
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Those reinstated to the board include Eunice Iliya, Beatrice Lazarus Iliya, Mike Dio Jen, Rev. Alexander Sabo, Modibo Andrew, and Soje Yunana.
It further held that all church property remain legally vested in the group.
Reacting to the decision in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, the church leadership, led by Presiding Bishop John Pena Auta, said it respect the judiciary but expressed dissatisfaction with the judgement of the Federal High Court.
The leadership confirmed it has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, alongside motions seeking a stay of execution and an injunction pending the determination of the appeal.
The ruling has effectively placed control of the church’s legal identity and assets in the hands of the reinstated trustees, raising concerns about administrative authority within the denomination.
Despite the uncertainty, the current leadership urged members to remain calm and continue worship activities peacefully, assuring congregants that church operations would proceed within the bounds of the law, including the use of its properties.
Church authorities also cautioned members against actions that could disrupt public order or damage the church’s image, emphasizing the importance of unity as the legal process unfolds.
For now, both factions appear set for a prolonged legal battle, as the case moves to the appellate court for further determination.
