By Jonathan Jolly

In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over ownership of the landmark Jatutu Memorial Cathedral, Magami, the Upper Area Court 1 in Jalingo has reportedly delivered a ruling in favour of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria (UMCN), dismissing a suit filed by the Global Methodist Church in Nigeria (GMCN) challenging the UMCN’s claim to the property and awarded N1 Million Naira in favour of the UMCN.

The judgement, first shared on social media by Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the UMCN, affirmed the legal rights of the UMCN over the disputed cathedral and rejected GMCN’s attempt to assert exclusive ownership through its separate filing. The Bishop in a Facebook Post appreciated the court and extended an invitation to the brethren from the Global Methodist Church to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to litigation adding that he was willing to engage in discussions and open to reconciliation as the scripture says.

facebook/Bishop Ande

The Jatutu Memorial Cathedral has been at the centre of a bitter dispute between the two Methodist bodies in Nigeria following a denominational split that saw some leaders and members break away from the UMCN to form the GMCN. Over the past two years, tensions grew over control of key church properties after setbacks in leadership alignment and legal registrations between the two groups.

In early February, Bishop Ande Emmanuel had announced plans for a reconciliation service at the cathedral scheduled for February 22, 2026, an event meant to symbolize peace and unity among Methodist worshippers across the state. However, the Taraba State Government at that time maintained that the property remained subject to litigation and would not grant access pending the court’s decision.

In a widely shared post on his official Facebook page, Bishop Ande Emmanuel celebrated the court’s decision as a vindication of justice and a defense of the historical heritage of the UMCN in Nigeria. According to the bishop, the ruling solidifies the legitimate claim of the UMCN to its properties and reinforces the rights of church members to worship freely without intimidation or unlawful claim by breakaway factions.

Bishop Ande’s message underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law, reconciliation and unity within Nigeria’s Christian community, while gently urging all parties to respect the court’s authority and to continue pursuing peace and mutual respect. Local observers also hope the judicial decision will reduce tensions that have, at times, disrupted normal worship activities and frustrated reconciliation efforts across Taraba State’s Christian communities.

In another development, GMCN leadership calls for calm. This was made during a press conference held in one of the closed facilities led by the Conference Superintendent, Rev Yayuba Baziel on behalf of the bishop, His Lordship Dr John Pena Auta, noted that as law abiding citizens would not objects the court ruling but rather make a way towards appealing the case as it is within the absolute prerogative of their legal team.

While the court’s judgement is being widely interpreted as a victory for the UMCN, legal experts say both parties may still pursue appeals or further legal clarification on associated property rights, registrations, and denominational governance going forward. For members of both churches and the wider Taraba community, however, the hope remains that this ruling might contribute to lasting peace and renewed focus on worship and service rather than conflict.