Admin l Wednesday, March 29, 2017
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – There is mixed feelings among the brotherhood of the Cherubim and Seraphim following the judgment of Justice Lateef lawal-Akapo.
While the camp of Apostle Adebayo Abiola is rejoicing on one hand, those in the camp of Apostle Solomon Alao are weeping and gnashing their teeth. The reason, they have just lost in the battle for leadership of the church.
Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja as made an order restraining Elder Apostle Solomon Alao from occupying the office of the Supreme head of Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria.
He also declared Most Elder Apostle Adebayo Abiola as the rightful head.
In his ruling, on March 23, the judge also ordered that Apostle Alao, having not been duly nominated to occupy the office, must cease to perform duties and functions as supreme head of the church. The claimants, the registered trustee of the white garment church and most Apostle Abiola, had dragged Apostle Alao and three others to court in 2015 to challenge the nomination and leadership of Apostle Alao as the leader of the church.
Other defendants in the matter include; the registered trustees of the sacred cherubim and seraphim unification church as Ist defendant, Special Apostle akin Owolabi (secretary general of cherubim and seraphim unification church of Ngeria as the 2nddefendant, Elder Apostle David Salako as the 4th defendant.
Counsel for the claimants, Mr. Lanre Ogunlesi (SAN) canvassed that the body- Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigria and Overseas- which Apostle Alao claimed nominated him was not recognized by the constitution of the church. He argued that such body is not known to law hence cannot usurp the authority of Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Nigeria as registered under the companies and Allied Matters Act.
He further opined that the 1st defendant was part of the nomination process of Apostle Abiola, adding that Apostle Abiola’s branch was next to produce the supreme head of the church. He therefore urged the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 3rd defendant from occupying the office of the Supreme Head of church or parading himself in such capacity or performing such duties or functions as ascribed to the office.
He also sought perpetual injunction restraining Apostle Salako, who is the custodian of the Staff of the Supreme Head, from releasing or parting with the staff to the 1st to 3rd defendants, their agents, and or servant or to any other person for the purpose of installing the 3rd defendant.
On the defense team, Chief Wale Taiwo, representing 1st and 2nd defendant said that the body that was empowered to nominate is Cherubim & Seraphim of Nigeria and Overseas. He then submitted that the court cannot restrain act that has been completed, adding that Apostle Alao had been installed since September 12, 2015.
He described the claimants as mere factions, claiming that anyone who was not part of Cherubim & Seraphim of Nigerian and Overseas cannot benefit under the name.
Apostle Alao’s lawyer, Prince Dele Oloke, also affirmed the position of the 1st and 2nd defendants. He, however, added the council accepted the nomination and installed his client as the Supreme Head. He submitted that 2nd claimant was a complete stranger and not entitled to be nominated in the first place. After about two years of litigation, the judge ruled in favor of the claimants, declared Apostle Abiola as duly nominated and right person for the position.
“It is hereby declared that the 2nd claimant having been duly selected and presented to the 1st defendant by the 1st claimant, is the Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification church and in accordance with the constitution of the church” the judge ruled.
