A legal battle ensues between Dr. David Emmanuel Ovie, the Head Pastor and General Overseer of the God in Action Liberation Mission, and one of his church members, Temitope Monday Diamond, who demanded the return of his Lexus RX330 after an alleged failed prophecy.
The pastor filed a five hundred million naira (N500 million) lawsuit against Temitope, alleging various violations of his rights.
According to Temitope, he surrendered his Lexus RX330 to the church following a prophecy from the pastor, who advised him to sacrifice his most precious property for financial blessings. However, after four months with no improvement in his financial situation, Temitope requested the return of his vehicle, prompting a confrontation with the pastor.
Temitope recounted, “We have been waiting for him to send the money since around December and January but he had refused to do so.”
Subsequently, a visit to the church with friends led to their detention by the police, as the pastor accused them of being kidnappers.
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The pastor, however, defended his actions, alleging that Temitope and his associates came to the church during a live service, armed with weapons, and instigated violence. He claimed they were handed over to the community chairman and subsequently to the police.
In response to the pastor’s lawsuit, Temitope refuted the allegations, asserting that they did not come to the church with weapons and were merely seeking resolution through legal means. He expressed frustration over the pastor’s failure to fulfill his promise of financial compensation.
The legal dispute escalated further as both parties sought redress in court. The pastor accused Temitope of violating his personal liberty and demanding damages of N500 million. Meanwhile, Temitope contested the pastor’s claims and sought justice for the alleged breach of agreement regarding the vehicle.
SaharaReporters reached out to the pastor for comment, but he declined to provide further details, citing ongoing legal proceedings. He maintained that the matter was before the court and emphasized his commitment to upholding the integrity of his church.
As the case unfolds, questions arise regarding the rights of individuals in religious institutions and the accountability of spiritual leaders. Both parties await the court’s decision, hoping for a resolution to the contentious dispute.
Amidst the legal wrangling, concerns emerge about the broader implications for religious organizations and the need for transparency and accountability in their dealings with members. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes involving donations and prophecies within religious communities.