The Pastor has made the decision to escalate the legal dispute within the Church, moving beyond attempts of reconciliation. In doing so, he has chosen to disregard the law of Nigeria. The Pastor decision will not only strengthen the divide in the Church in Europe, but also grants excessive power to the Heads of Diocese in Europe to act independently, creating a problematic system for future leadership transitions from Rev EMF Oshoffa.
In a letter bearing the reference No- PASTORAL DECREE OF APPLICATION- 002/03-24/ECC/RPCSM/SIM/OP/SEFPARN personally signed by the Pastor, instructions were given to establish an Executive Organ for the Heads of Diocese in Europe, utilizing Nigerian laws to legitimize potentially illegal actions.
The Pastor cited various sections of CAC laws, including CAMA laws to justify his actions. However, it is worth noting that the CAC Headquarters in Abuja had previously issued a cautionary letter, advising the Pastor to reverse his decision to dissolve the registered Board of Trustees, as he lacked the authority to do so. Additionally, a competent court had warned the Pastor against acting in violation of the law, specifically referencing a section of CAMA laws that he was not entitled to invoke. The Pastor’s misuse of the Board of Trustees’ certificate to make decisions without their approval further highlights the abuse of power at play.
Every country in the world has sovereign laws that govern and guide their existence as a nation. It is a mistake for the Pastor to use an approved law in Nigeria to issue pastoral orders in Europe. Upon reviewing the CAC Act, no section grants a corporate organization the authority to enforce Nigerian law in another country.
The majority of parishes in Europe are registered as sole owners. Attempting to impose Nigerian law in countries such as Germany, Spain, Austria, Italy, the United Kingdom, and France is a clear violation of the United Nations Charter Law. The letter exposes the truth about the Pastor’s staff members who are working to further intensify divisions within the church.
The Pastor cannot remain in Nigeria and dictate who manages the affairs of senior clergy members in European churches. Instead, the Pastor should allow a separation of powers to determine their governance, with the Pastor will serve as a guide to these senior clergy members rather than abusing their fundamental rights outside the country. The registered Board of Trustees has the right to present the Pastor’s letter in court as evidence of the Pastor’s decision to not only defy court orders but also to misuse laws in an abusive manner.
