Court Clears Way for Jalingo Church Reopening After 14 years

Court Clears Way for Jalingo Church Reopening After 14 years

After more than fourteen years of closure, the Jatutu Memorial Cathedral in Jalingo, Taraba State, has reopened for worship. The Upper Area Court in Jalingo struck out a suit that sought to prevent church activities, allowing services to resume fully. For over a decade, the cathedral’s doors remained shut, its pews empty, and its altar silent, symbolizing deep divisions within the Methodist community.

The suit was filed by Reverend Philip Audu on behalf of the Global Methodist Church Nigeria, GMCN, aiming to block the resumption of worship. The lead defendant was Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the United Methodist Church Nigeria along with five other pastors. The case arose after a Taraba State Government directive ordered the cathedral reopened following reconciliation efforts between the disputing factions.

During the hearing, counsel for UMCN challenged the case on the basis that the plaintiff lacked legal standing. He argued that filing in a personal capacity on behalf of an institution was an abuse of court process. Presiding Judge Barkindo Chiroma agreed, striking out the case and setting aside the previous interim order restraining worship.

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The court also ordered the complainant to pay one million Naira in costs. Bishop Ande Emmanuel described the ruling as a relief, emphasizing dialogue over litigation. He urged members to remain peaceful and law abiding. Chancellor Benjamin Panya of UMC Nigeria said the judgment reassured the faithful and affirmed the role of the judiciary in protecting institutional rights.

Despite the ruling, GMCN vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal. Bishop John Pena described the decision as unjust and called on authorities to intervene, while still urging calm among members.
The Jatutu Memorial Cathedral had become a symbol of division, reflecting wider denominational conflicts within global Methodism. Its reopening is seen as a milestone for reconciliation in Jalingo, allowing worshippers to return to the cathedral after years of waiting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Content Credit: Boluwatife Abiola

Image Credit: Google. Com