Appeal Court Welcomes Rev EMF Oshoffa & Registered BOT

The ongoing appeal hearing filed by Rev EMF Oshoffa against the judgment declaring the seat of Pastor in the Celestial Church of Christ vacant took an intriguing turn on July 1, 2024, with a significant revelation.

During the hearing, tensions arose as the court called for representatives from the Registered Board of Trustees. Most Superior Evangelist Banjo and Superior Evangelist Akintenirwa stood up to assert their authority. However, Rev EMF Oshoffa counsel, who also held the position of secretary in the unregistered Board of Trustees, challenged their legitimacy, claiming that neither he nor the Church recognized them.

The court was presented with compelling evidence in the form of registration documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission. This evidence swayed the judges, who expressed dissatisfaction with the Pastor’s counsel for failing to provide adequate legal advice to resolve the Church’s internal disputes outside the courtroom. The counsel argued that there was a pending suit at the Federal High Court, preventing the recognition of the unregistered Board of Trustees by the Corporate Affairs Commission.

The judges sought clarification on whether the registered Board of Trustees had been lawfully removed according to the Corporate Affairs Commission’s regulations and the Companies and Allied Matters Act. They also questioned whether the selection of the new Board of Trustees had followed due process in compliance with the church’s constitution and the law.

Emphasizing the importance of fairness and justice, the judges admonished the counsel against advising the registered Board of Trustees to take unlawful actions that could abuse the justice system. Drawing from personal experience as a pastor’s daughter, the presiding judge empathized with the challenges faced by churches during internal crises.

The judges urged the counsel to prioritize integrity over financial gain, reminding them of their responsibility to speak truthfully to the church of God. They made it clear that they would not tolerate any attempts to delay the case and adjourned further proceedings to October 10, 2024, due to the judges’ upcoming annual vacation.

In conclusion, the judges assured all parties involved that they would address their observations and work towards a fair and timely resolution of the matter. The revelations in the appeal hearing shed light on the complexities of the case and the court’s commitment to upholding fairness and justice throughout the proceedings.