Victory! Jalingo Church Reopens After 14-Year Legal Battle
After 14 long years of silence, the doors of Jatutu Memorial Cathedral in Jalingo, Taraba State, have finally swung open again. This victory for the United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN) represents more than just a legal win, it's a triumph of justice and perseverance that resonates across Nigeria.
The Upper Area Court in Jalingo delivered a decisive blow to those seeking to keep the cathedral closed, striking out a lawsuit that had become a symbol of institutional manipulation and division within Nigeria's religious community.
Justice Prevails in Taraba
For over a decade, this magnificent cathedral stood as a monument to conflict, its towering presence in Jalingo serving as a daily reminder of how external forces can divide African institutions. But this week, Nigerian justice spoke loud and clear.
Presiding Judge Barkindo Chiroma didn't mince words. The court found that Reverend Philip Audu, representing the Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN), lacked the legal standing to challenge the cathedral's reopening. More importantly, the judge recognized the filing as what it truly was: an abuse of court process designed to perpetuate division.
The ruling was comprehensive and decisive. Not only was the case struck out, but the complainant was ordered to pay One Million Naira in costs, a clear message that Nigerian courts won't tolerate frivolous litigation aimed at disrupting religious harmony.
Leadership That Inspires
Bishop Ande Emmanuel, who leads UMC Nigeria and extends his influence across Senegal and Cameroon, demonstrated the kind of leadership Africa needs. Despite being dragged through courts for years, his response was measured and dignified.
"It is not my intention to be in court; my work is in the church," Bishop Emmanuel told journalists. "But my brethren have chosen to bring me here, despite my insistence to resolve these things amicably."
This is the voice of true African leadership, seeking unity over division, dialogue over confrontation. Chancellor Benjamin Panya captured the moment perfectly, declaring that "the judiciary remains the hope of the ordinary citizen."
The Broader Victory
This case represents something bigger than one church in Taraba State. For 14 years, external influences and denominational politics kept a house of worship closed, depriving the Jalingo community of their spiritual home. The court's decision is a victory for local autonomy and African self-determination.
The Global Methodist Church Nigeria's immediate vow to appeal the decision shows they're not ready to accept this victory for local control. Their rejection of the court's ruling and calls for federal intervention reveal a troubling pattern of refusing to accept decisions made by Nigerian institutions.
Moving Forward Together
As church activities resume in full at Jatutu Memorial Cathedral, this victory sends a powerful message across Nigeria and beyond. African institutions can resolve their own conflicts. Nigerian courts can deliver justice. Local communities can reclaim what belongs to them.
The cathedral's reopening after 14 years isn't just about one denomination, it's about the resilience of Nigerian communities and the strength of our judicial system. It's about refusing to let external divisions tear apart what should unite us.
For the people of Jalingo, the silence has been broken not by conflict, but by the sound of justice. The pews will no longer gather dust, the altar will no longer remain quiet, and the community has its spiritual home back where it belongs.
This is what victory looks like when African institutions stand firm and Nigerian justice prevails.