Church Crisis: ‘Men Of God’ Assault Vanguard Photo Journalist In Court

No fewer than 10 pastors 
from one of the two factions of the crisis-ridden Christ Apostolic
Church have thrown their pastoral callings to the wind and assaulted Vanguard
Newspapers’ Assistant Photo Editor,  Mr.
Dare Fasube in the premises of the Federal High Court in Ibadan.

Fasube, who alongside others, were at the court when the
incident, happened, is still recovering from the trauma of the assault which
took place last week Thursday.

The church has been enmeshed in a leadership crisis for over
two decades and the crisis has created two factions in the church. They are the
General Executive Council and Supreme Council with each faction claiming
ownership of the church.

After being docked, the former General Secretary of a
faction, Pastor Gideon Okegwemeh,  and
Akeem Mohammed, former Director of Corporate Affairs Commission were coming out
of the court room when Mr. Fasube was trying to take their photographs. About
10 men who accompanied them to court descended on Fasube, asking why he wanted
to take their pictures.

While trying to focus his lens properly to get the shot of
the former director who was trying to cover his face and turn away from the
camera, other “men of God” asked him why he was running away and he told them
that the journalist wanted to take his picture.

The men jumped at Fasube and manhandled him even as his
colleagues told them that he was a journalist and was only doing his legitimate
business.

All entreaties to the “men of God” who reportedly came from
Lagos fell on deaf ears, until the commotion attracted court officials who
intervened.