By Brown Chimezie
The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered that the premises of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, Mount Zion General Headquarters, Ebute Metta, Lagos be immediately re-opened.
In a ruling delivered last Friday by Hon. Justice Akintayo Aluko, at the court, held that the fundamental human rights of the ESOCS Mount Zion General Headquarters had been violated by the earlier interim court order, dated August 15, 2023, as the issues raised in the substantive suit had been predetermined without hearing from the church. On that basis, the court ordered the reopening of the church.
The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, a religious organisation, dates back to 1925. Founded by Orimolade Tunolase, the organisation’s primary mission has always been to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ and foster a deeply spiritual Christian life, emphasising unity and orderliness. The Cherubim and Seraphim Church has historically been a symbol of unity and faith for millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. However, recent developments have given rise to internal disagreements over the rightful leadership of the church.
During the leadership of Baba Aladura Otubu, efforts were made to unify contending factions within the church. Notably, a reconciliation agreement was reached between MZGHQ Ebute Metta and Pearse Street, Tejuosho church. The agreement stipulated, among other conditions, the independent management of the church at No. 75, Ibadan Street (East) Ebute Metta, Lagos State, in accordance with a 1990 Federal High Court Consent Judgment (suit no FHC/L/48/86) which was later affirmed by the Supreme Court.
According to the new court order, regular Sunday service was scheduled to resume on Sunday, September 17, 2023.