The case instituted by Most Superior Evangelist Samson Olatunde Banjo, Superior Evangelist Pius Olarewaju, Superior Evangelist Kayode Okaisabor, Superior Evangelist Bola Akinterinwa (Plaintiffs) against His Eminence, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, came up for hearing today, Thursday 13th October, 2022, before Hon. Justice Lifu at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Lead Counsel to the Defendants, Obafemi Adewale (SAN), informed the court of developments furtherance to the order of the court that parties should maintain the status quo ante bellum and parties should find a way of settling the matter out of court.

On Friday, 6th May, 2022, parties met at the Celestial Church of Christ, Ogudu Expressway Cathedral and the following resolutions were passed.

1. That parties should find a lasting solution to the conflict.

2. That Counsels to the two parties should meet and resolve the legal issues.

3. To report back to the full house consisting of the Plaintiffs and the Defendants, a terms of settlement, to be adopted as judgment of the court.

However, whilst this was pending, the Plaintiffs published on pages 16 and 17 of the Punch Newspaper of Tuesday, June 14, 2022, a contemptuous and disparaging comment against the Defendants and the settlement broke down.

This was put to the notice of the court today and the Counsels resolved that the matter should be heard on merit. The court gave a considered ruling that:

– Preliminary objection to the substantive suit, committal proceedings and the substantive originating summons, to be heard together on Friday, 2nd December, 2022.

Superior Evangelist Kayode Ajala, M.P.I.C. / C.C.C. Media./ Thursday 13th October, 2022.