Members of the University of Calabar (UniCal) Chapel of Redemption were prevented from holding their Sunday service inside the university chapel on Aug. 23, despite an existing Federal High Court injunction restraining interference with the church’s activities.
The incident occurred in Calabar, Cross River State, amid an ongoing dispute between the chapel leadership and the university management.
Security personnel reportedly stopped worshippers from entering the University of Calabar Chapel of Redemption, saying they were acting on the directive of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Offiong Offiong.
The worshippers were subsequently asked to leave the university premises and moved their service to a nearby street.
Court had issued injunction
The development came despite an interim injunction issued by the Federal High Court on Aug. 4 and sustained on Aug. 20.
The order reportedly restrained the vice-chancellor from interfering with the activities of the chapel or locking its premises.
The case has been adjourned until Sept. 2, when further proceedings are expected.
The latest incident mirrors what happened on Aug. 16, when worshippers were also denied access to the chapel and held an open-air service near the university’s fire service park.
Dispute over chapel leadership
The disagreement followed a series of administrative actions by the vice-chancellor concerning the leadership of the chapel.
Offiong had removed Rev. Joseph Ushie as chaplain and reportedly evicted him from his university residence.
He subsequently appointed Rev. Israel Eyo as interim chaplain.
The vice-chancellor also suspended Prof. Essien Oku, chairman of the church council, and dissolved the council.
According to reports, the action was taken despite provisions contained in the chapel’s constitution.
A caretaker committee was later established by the university management to oversee the affairs of the church.
The development prompted Ushie to approach the Federal High Court for legal redress.
Worshippers relocate Sunday service
Monday Johnson, Deputy Chief Security Officer of the university, reportedly told the worshippers that he was acting on an order and risked losing his job if they refused to leave the premises.
The worshippers eventually complied and moved to a nearby street, where they conducted their Sunday worship.
Church council demands freedom to worship
Imo Nse, Secretary of the chapel’s church council, said members expected the court’s injunction to protect their ability to worship while the case remained pending.
Nse said the worshippers were committed to respecting the law and had no intention of undermining the judicial process.
“We remain committed to obeying the law. Our only demand is freedom to worship while this matter remains before the court,” he said.
The dispute is expected to come before the Federal High Court again on Sept. 2, as the legal battle over the administration and activities of the UniCal Chapel of Redemption continues.
