Court Dismisses GMCN Motion, Favours UMCN

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed an application seeking a stay of execution of an earlier judgment delivered in favour of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, reaffirming the principle that a successful party is entitled to enjoy the benefits of a valid court judgment pending appeal.
The application was filed by members of the breakaway Global Methodist Church through their counsel, Luka Haruna, who sought an order restraining the enforcement of the judgment and preserving control over church properties, funds, accounts, and institutional assets across the country while the appeal process continues.
During proceedings, counsel to the applicant argued that failure to grant the motion could expose the church to instability, administrative confusion, and possible irreparable damage. Haruna maintained that the appeal raised substantial legal and constitutional issues deserving consideration by the appellate court.
The applicant further contended that the disputed assets included trust properties, bank accounts, and church facilities spread nationwide, stressing that the court should preserve the status quo to prevent actions that could prejudice the appeal.
However, counsel to the respondents, the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, Chinedu Odura, opposed the motion, arguing that the applicant failed to establish the exceptional circumstances required for the grant of a stay of execution. The respondents maintained that there was no credible evidence showing that church assets or properties were under threat or that the appeal would be rendered nugatory if the judgment was enforced.
In his ruling, Justice Obiora Egwuatu held that applications for stay of execution must be supported by convincing evidence demonstrating special circumstances and a real likelihood of irreparable harm.
The judge noted that speculative fears and generalized allegations were insufficient grounds for granting such relief. He further observed that the respondents were lawfully entitled to enjoy the fruits of the judgment already delivered and that the applicant had not demonstrated that execution of the judgment would destroy the subject matter of the appeal.
The court also emphasized the importance of maintaining legal order and institutional stability while recognizing that the issues raised by the applicant could still be addressed by the appellate court in due course.
Consequently, the court dismissed the motion seeking a stay of execution, thereby allowing the judgment in favour of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria to remain in effect pending the outcome of the appeal.
Reacting to the ruling, the Presiding Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, Ande I Emmanuel, expressed confidence in the will of God and the rule of law, describing the court as an upholder of justice and fairness.
Bishop Emmanuel called on members of the church to remain calm and peaceful in the aftermath of the ruling, despite the judgment being in favour of the church. He stated that the church remains committed to lawful and peaceful processes in handling issues relating to the dispute.
The bishop further stressed that the United Methodist Church in Nigeria is prepared to reclaim all properties and institutional assets occupied by the breakaway Global Methodist Church in accordance with the law.
He, however, maintained that the church remains open to reconciliation, urging members of the breakaway group to return to their original place of worship in order to continue promoting the gospel of Christ in unity and peace.