Leadership Crisis in The African Church
A significant leadership conflict has emerged within The African Church, centering around its Primate, Julius Abbe. On Tuesday, Abbe publicly rejected the decision made by certain church officials and members to dismiss him from his position.
Suspension Allegations
The controversy began last Thursday when a faction of church members announced Abbe’s suspension, pending an investigation by a panel that is to be established by the church’s executive committee, in accordance with church regulations. This announcement was made during a press conference held at The African Church’s Lagos South-West Diocese, specifically the Ebenezer Cathedral located in Somolu, Lagos.
The group accused Abbe of breaching several constitutional provisions, including:
- Nomination of Ineligible Candidates: Allegations were made that he sponsored candidates not meeting eligibility requirements, violating Section 112.1(ii).
- Manipulation of Conference Resolutions: The accusations also extended to the manipulation of resolutions passed during conferences, contrary to Section 131(viii).
- Avoidance of National Meetings: He was accused of neglecting to attend national meetings, violating Section 131(ix).
- Closure of the Secretariat: Allegedly, he shut down the church secretariat without proper authority, against Section 131(xii).
- Intimidation Tactics: The members accused him of issuing threats and intimidation, which breaches sections 131(iii) and 131(xii).
- Reversal of Conference Decisions: Claims were made that he reversed decisions made during duly adopted conferences, violating sections 131(x) and 131(xii).
The group also raised questions regarding the legitimacy of Abbe’s Master’s degree and noted that he did not respond to the allegations within the 48-hour timeframe set forth by the church’s constitution.
Abbe’s Defense
In response to these allegations, Abbe held his own media briefing at The African Church College Hall in Ogba, Lagos, asserting that he remains the legitimate Primate of the church. He expressed disappointment over the ongoing turmoil, emphasizing the church’s historical significance as a prominent indigenous institution in Nigeria.
“I, His Eminence Julius Osayande Olayinka Abbe, by the grace of God elected as the 12th Primate, remain the indisputable spiritual and overall head of The African Church,” he stated firmly.
Abbe dismissed the allegations against him as unfounded and expressed concern over the spread of misinformation within the church community. He underscored the detrimental effects of the conflict, describing the actions of the dissenting group as rebellious and unholy.
Rejection of Parallel Administration
Abbe voiced strong opposition to the idea of appointing another cleric to take on the role of acting Primate. He noted that many within the church community were left confused and questioning if he had resigned. He clarified that during his leadership, no restrictions had been placed on members attending meetings, yet some had chosen to create a rival administration.
Describing the suspension letter issued against him as “laughable” and “illegitimate,” Abbe advised that it should be disregarded. He asserted that the Incorporated Trustees, which are meant to operate under the church’s constitution, have lost their authority, as their term has expired.
Recent Developments
Abbe highlighted that during the National Conference held in Calabar, Cross River State, on June 19, 2025, a decision was made to elect officers to manage the church’s affairs for the next six years. Additionally, the conference sanctioned the dismissal of 15 members, including those who suspended him, citing reasons of insubordination and rebellious actions against the church’s constitution.
In a further turn of events, some members were excommunicated for what Abbe described as “sacrilege, rebellion, and breaches of constitutional mandates,” barring them from participating in holy communion.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how The African Church will navigate this leadership crisis and what implications it will have for its future governance and community relations.
