Court gavel
Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declared that the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN) remains the lawful owner of its properties and assets, nullifying the emergence of the Global Methodist Church of Nigeria (GMCN) and describing its registration process as unlawful.
The judgment followed a legal dispute arising from the attempted deregistration of UMCN and the transfer of its assets to the newly formed denomination.
In a press statement made available to journalists in Jalingo, the Resident Bishop of the Nigeria Episcopal Area and Mission Districts of Cameroon and Senegal, Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel, said the court ruling affirmed that GMCN lacks legal standing.
“The Global Methodist Church in Nigeria does not exist in the eyes of the law, having not been duly registered in accordance with statutory provisions. We praise God for working through this situation and for blessing The United Methodist Church of Nigeria with provision and allowing us to go forth in ministry unburdened by these distractions and obstacles.”
Bishop Emmanuel explained that the court ruled in favour of UMCN, effectively nullifying the attempt by the new denomination to deregister the longstanding church.
“As previously shared, despite our hopes to settle matters outside the courts, in December 2024, we were compelled to file a lawsuit to recover the properties and assets of The United Methodist Church that were taken by former leaders who joined the Global Methodist Church. We also sought to retain our legal identity by preventing a name change request submitted to the Corporate Affairs Commission.”
He expressed appreciation to the court for upholding justice and due process.
“Today, we are grateful to the court for its commitment to ensure that truth and justice prevail. We are also grateful to Justice Obiora A. Egwuatu, the presiding judge, who declared that the deregistration was null and void, as the Corporate Affairs Commission failed to comply with the legal procedures for carrying out the change of name and board of trustees from UMCN to Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN).”
According to him, the court also ordered a reversal of all actions taken in respect of the disputed registration.
“The court ordered a reversal of all actions taken as the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria does not exist in the eyes of the law, having not been duly registered in accordance with statutory provisions.”
While welcoming the ruling, Bishop Emmanuel urged members and Christians to embrace reconciliation rather than celebration.
“We praise God for working through this situation and for blessing The United Methodist Church of Nigeria with provision and allowing us to go forth in ministry unburdened by these distractions and obstacles. However, this is not a moment of celebration, but a moment for healing.”
He further called for dialogue and unity within the Christian community.
“It is time to mend what has been broken. I urge United Methodists and our fellow Christians to embrace dialogue going forward, emphasizing that reconciliation and peaceful engagement remain critical to the church and the growth of God’s Kingdom.”
The bishop noted that for more than a century, the UMCN has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development through education, agriculture, rural development, healthcare and social services, adding that the court ruling would allow the church to refocus on its mission.
“For more than 100 years, The UMCN has made significant contributions towards the advancement of education, agriculture, rural developmental projects, medical work and social services in Nigeria and are thankful that the closing of the court case allows the church to return to full focus to making disciples for Jesus Christ while continuing humanitarian work and outreach to the Nigerian community.”
Reflecting on the Easter season, Bishop Emmanuel called for renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation.
“It is Holy Week, a time to reflect on Christ’s death on the cross that saved us from sin and to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and the new life we find in Christ. As we close the chapter on this difficult case, we pray for God to rejuvenate and breathe new life into The UMCN. May United Methodists in Nigeria be emboldened to live faithfully and to seek to bring God glory in all that we do. This Easter, as we celebrate our risen Prince of Peace, may we commit to being peacemakers and healers to our neighbors and a world in need of Christ’s great love.”
