Today the 11th of January 2024, a court hearing took place at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, presided over by the Justice Peter Iifiu. The case being heard challenging the unlawful dissolution of the registered Board of Trustees, which directly contravened the provisions outlined in the Corporate Affairs Commission Act.
During the proceedings, the counsel representing Pastor Rev EMF Oshoffa, Barrister Sanyolu Akinyele drew the court’s attention to the absence of Justice Okafor’s mediation report, which had not been submitted. He emphasized the importance of waiting for the submission of the report before proceeding with the case. Also Barrister Adewale Obafemi SAN, the lead counsel representing Rev EMF Oshoffa who also serves as the Secretary of the new Board of Trustees, supported this legal standpoint.
In a legal response, Barrister Adesokan SAN, the lead counsel to M/S/E Banjo brought to the court’s attention the defendant’s repeated failed attempts to raise preliminary objections challenging the court’s jurisdiction or questioning the validity of the charges based on perceived defects. Barrister Adesokan emphasized that his client is in court seeking legal interpretation regarding the abuse of laws, rather than engaging in delay tactics that undermine the rule of law.
Furthermore, Barrister Adesokan highlighted the efforts made by various individuals, including Justice Ajakaye (Rtd), Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the CCC OGUDU meeting to facilitate an out-of-court settlement. However, the defendant, the Pastor has consistently failed to genuinely comply with the agreed-upon resolution for peace. Barrister Adesokan mentioned that the Justice Okafor Committee established in February 2023 has been overshadowed by subsequent events, as the court has now commenced a comprehensive oath submission briefing on the matter.
In a ruling, Justice Peter Iifiu acknowledged that it is the court’s primary responsibility to interpret the laws, which he will fulfill in the present case. He also stated that he will rule on the preliminary objection raised by Barrister Sanyolu Akinyele on January 31st, 2024, while the submission of oral briefings will continue in the substantive suit.
However, outside the courtroom, Barrister Sanyolu Akinyele engaged in a discussion with members of the Church who went to witness the court proceedings. Barrister Sanyolu Akinyele admitted that the Church Administration at the center was in disarray, as the Church had been experiencing a consistent lack of unbalanced in its doctrinal practices & leadership management, he exemplified the recent performance of Zazzu in one of the Church’s parishes, where the Church authority seemed powerless to take appropriate action. In response, a member emphasized that if the Pastor truly desired peace in Celestial Church of Christ, he should be well aware of the necessary steps to be taken. It is imperative for the Pastor to act accordingly.
