Fresh tension is reportedly building within The African Church as reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving the prolonged leadership crisis face a major test over the tenure of Primate Julius Olayinka Osayande Abbe.
The latest controversy centres on reports that Primate Abbe is insisting on completing his tenure, a position said to have triggered strong reactions among some members of the Uyo Province.
Some members reportedly oppose any reconciliation arrangement that would allow the current leadership situation to continue without a negotiated transition.
The development comes against the backdrop of a prolonged dispute involving competing claims of authority, disputed decisions, court actions, contested elections and disagreements over the interpretation of the Church’s constitutional framework.
Tenure Becomes Major Reconciliation Issue
Information circulating within the Church indicates that the question of Primate Abbe’s tenure has emerged as one of the most sensitive issues before the Reconciliation Committee.
Supporters of the Primate’s position reportedly argue that he should be allowed to complete the tenure for which he was elected or appointed.
However, those advocating a leadership transition contend that the crisis has become so closely associated with the present leadership that meaningful reconciliation may require a change at the top.
The argument, according to sources familiar with the discussions, is not necessarily about punishing or humiliating the Primate.
Rather, proponents of transition reportedly believe that voluntary retirement could represent a significant personal sacrifice for the sake of institutional peace.
Uyo Province Members Raise Concerns
The reaction from Uyo Province is significant because members there have emerged among those calling for what they describe as a comprehensive resolution rather than another temporary settlement.
Some members are said to be questioning whether allowing Primate Abbe to complete his tenure would resolve the underlying crisis or merely postpone it.
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The central question being raised is whether The African Church can genuinely rebuild trust while the leadership dispute remains unresolved.
Some members are reportedly proposing that both Primate Abbe and Primate Afolabi Odufuwa consider voluntarily retiring to create room for a fresh constitutional process.
The proposal is being framed as mutual sacrifice rather than victory for one faction over another.
Due Process Remains Central
However, those defending Primate Abbe’s tenure reportedly insist that retirement cannot be imposed merely because sections of the Church have lost confidence in him.
They argue that allegations of constitutional violations or misconduct should be investigated and determined through the appropriate constitutional mechanisms.
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Advocates of voluntary retirement, on the other hand, maintain that their proposal should not be interpreted as disciplinary removal.
They argue that a Primate can voluntarily relinquish office as an act of statesmanship without admitting wrongdoing.
What Happens Next?
The dispute has now placed the Reconciliation Committee under greater pressure.
The committee faces the difficult task of finding a solution that protects constitutional principles while addressing the institutional concerns of competing groups.
For ordinary worshippers, the prolonged dispute is reportedly becoming increasingly exhausting, with many said to be more interested in restoring one recognised leadership structure and predictable constitutional processes than in determining which faction emerges victorious.
The controversy has therefore moved beyond the question of who is right or wrong.
It is increasingly about what leadership arrangement can restore confidence, unity and stability to The African Church.
The coming decisions of the Reconciliation Committee could determine whether the current process becomes a genuine turning point or another temporary pause in a conflict that has already tested the unity of the Church.
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