ORDEAL OF THE UNICAL CHAPEL OF REDEMPTION (UCOR) FROM 2024 TO DATE

By concerned (UCOR) members

Introduction

UNICAL Chapel of Redemption (UCOR) is an independent, interdenominational and non-denominational Christian congregation situated within the University of Calabar community and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The church operates under its constitution, which provides the framework for its leadership structure, elections, administration, finances and other aspect of its activities. The congregation has, over the years, experienced various leadership challenges. However, the events from 2024 to date have escalated into what has become a serious leadership and administrative crisis involving the former Council, the present Council, the Chaplain, and, more recently, the University administration.

This report provides a chronological account of the events, disputes and developments that have affected the church since 2024, with the objective of presenting the issues clearly and drawing attention to the need for justice, due process, respect for the church’s constitution and peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Events During Prof. Paul Ajah-Led  Council

During the tenure of the  Council led by Prof. Paul Ajah in 2024, members of the congregation began to observe increasing disagreements between the Council and the Chaplain, Rev. Joseph Ushie.

One of the major areas of disagreement concerns the approval for the employment of Assistant Chaplain and the running of two services on Sundays.
There was disagreement by members of the church surrounding the use of church funds.

These disagreements contributed significantly to the deterioration of the relationship between the Chaplain and the then Council.
Note: The Chaplain, Rev Ushie does not have access to church funds nor approval to release funds, it has always been the responsibility of the Chairman of council to approve for the release of funds for procurement/maintenance contracts in the church from the era of Rev Ajoku as Chaplain of UCOR.

Furthermore, the issue of an Assistant Chaplain and running of two services further strengthen the hatred on the Chaplain, Rev Ushie.  Assistant Chaplain was imposed on the Chaplain even when the right for the chaplaincy to produce an Assistant Chaplain was outrightly denied by Paul Ajah’s led exco when it is  stated clearly in UCOR constitution that the Assistant Chaplain must come from the Chaplaincy. That not withstanding, the Chaplain, Rev Ushie moved on with the Assistant Chaplain and started running two services as demanded by Paul Ajah’s led exco.

Disclosure to the Congregation and the 2025 Council Election

Rev. Ushie subsequently informed the congregation about the challenges he had experienced with the Council.

Members of the congregation expressed their dissatisfaction with the manner in which the matter had been handled. The situation became particularly significant because 2025 was UCOR council election year.

The disagreement between the Chaplain and the  Council became an important issue during the election period.

The former Council Chairman, Prof. Paul Ajah, also wrote a letter to the Chaplain, which the Chaplain responded to extensively. The Chaplain’s response ran into 42 pages. Rather than treating the response as an answer to the allegations and issues raised in the original letter, members of the congregation observed further disagreement by Paul Ajah led exco over the length and content of the response.

The 2025 UCOR Council Election

In accordance with the UCOR Constitution, an Electoral Committee was constituted by Prof. Paul Ajah’s -Led council to conduct the 2025 Council election on the 23rd February, 2025.

Registered members of the church were accredited by the Electoral Committee, and only accredited members were permitted to vote.

At the conclusion of the voting exercise, the votes were counted openly in the presence of the congregation.

Prof. Esien David-Oku emerged as the elected Chairman of Council, securing 179 votes. Other members of the Council were also elected, including Mr. Imo Nse, who emerged as Secretary of Council.

The election was  presented as a duly conducted election under the provisions of UCOR Constitution.

Escalation of Disagreement with the Chaplain

As the disagreement intensified, relationship between Rev. Joseph Ushie and prof Paul Ajah’s -led  Council became increasingly frosty.

One incident that particularly concern members of the church was the manner in which the Chaplain was summoned before the Council. It was alleged that the Secretary of Council, Mr. Eguma Agbor, wrote the Chaplain’s name in red ink on the summon issued to him.

The Chaplain subsequently began informing the congregation about some of the challenges he was experiencing in his dealings with the  Council. The Council objected to his decision to disclose these developments to the congregation, maintaining that matters between the Chaplain and the Council should not be discussed publicly.

The situation eventually reached a critical point when the Paul Ajah’s -led Council held an overnight meeting in which a decision was taken to dismiss the Chaplain without  prior consent or approval of the congregation.

The Chaplain was subsequently served with a dismissal letter in which he was described as a “mere employee” of the Council. The position communicated to him was allegedly that the Council, as his employer, had the authority to terminate his appointment.

Attempted Eviction and Intervention of the Former Vice-Chancellor

Within 24 hours of the dismissal letter, a serious confrontation occurred at the Chaplain’s office and his official residence.

According to the account presented to the congregation, Prof. Paul Ajah and Mr. Eguma Agbor arrived at the Chaplain’s office accompanied by unknown armed men. The office was reportedly locked, while the Chaplain’s driver was  forcefully removed from the official vehicle and the vehicle keys taken from him.

The group subsequently proceeded to the Chaplain’s official residence and  attempted to remove Rev. Ushie from the premises.

Some members of the church who arrived at the scene noticed that one of security operatives who live close to the Chaplain’s official resident had called the then Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Florence Banku Obi. Following the report, the Vice-Chancellor contacted the Commissioner of Police, resulting in the deployment of armed police officers to the scene.

The former Vice-Chancellor subsequently directed that the official vehicle keys be returned and summoned the individuals involved to her office.
Prof. Paul Ajah adviced the then VC Prof. Florence Obi to stay away from church matters as it has nothing to do with the University administration.

The matter continued to generate tension within the church. Security personnel were reportedly deployed around the church premises during Sundays worship service.

These developments occurred within a very short period and caused considerable concern among members of the congregation.

Failure to Conduct a Proper Handover

Following the election, the outgone Paul Ajah’s -led  Council failed to conduct a comprehensive and timely handover to the newly elected Council.

The Chairman, Prof. David Esien Oku, subsequently sought assistance from Bar. Akpabio, a former legal adviser to the Council, who intervened and assisted in obtaining some of the necessary documents from the outgone administration.

Till date there have been no official handover/financial accounting by Paul Ajah’s led exco after about two years of leaving office.

However, concerns relating to financial accountability remained unresolved.

Demand for Forensic Audit

Upon assuming leadership, Prof. Esien David-Oku got directives from the then BOT and the congregation to a comprehensive forensic audit of the finances and activities of the church in the last five years,   the audit will includes among others, the parsonage project at Satellite Town, children’s department renovation, church account at Union Bank, etc.

The objective was to establish how church funds had been received, managed and expended during the period stated above.

According to the accounts presented by the current administration, the former Council did not submit itself to the proposed forensic audit.

The former Council took steps that resulted in the freezing of the church’s  account with Union Bank and failed to complete the change of signatories necessary for the new administration to exercise full control over the church finances.

The former Treasurer, Dr. Obal Usang, was unwilling to sign the necessary change-of-signatory documents .

The congregation subsequently passed a vote of no confidence on the Treasurer, following which a new Treasurer was appointed.

These financial and administrative disagreements have remained among the central issues in the ongoing crisis.

The UCOR constitution does not permit any person or group of persons, the authority to freeze the church account as carried out by Prof. Paul Ajah, Mr Eguma Agbor and Dr Obal Osang.

Litigation and Court Proceedings

Following the escalation of the dispute, several legal actions were instituted by members of the former administration against the Chaplain, Rev. Joseph Ushie, the Chairman of Council, Prof. Esien David-Oku and the Secretary, Mr. Imo Nse.

Peace and reconciliation committee that was made up of the former Chaplains in June 2025 suggested that both the Chaplain and the Assistant Chaplain should leave at the end of January 2026, to give room for timely engagement of a new set of clergymen, but Prof. Paul Ajah’s led exco and their cohorts who formally addressed themselves as “aggrieved members” in writing,  vehemently opposed, threatened fire🔥and brimstone that only the Chaplain, Rev Ushie must go while their favourable candidate should stay.

For the sake of peace, the entire congratulations where of the opinion that both the Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain should stay which was unanimously endorse by the council.

Prof. Paul Ajah’s led exco and their cohorts (aka) the aggrieved members resorted to instituting multiple court cases.

According to documents available to  the congregation, four separate cases were  instituted.

It is evident that three of the cases have already been decided, with judgments in  favour  of the current church council, Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the relevant judgments are available for examination by interested members.

One of the reported judicial directives required the parties to return to the “status quo ante bellum.“

The remaining case is  still pending before the federal high Court, Calabar.

The existence of pending litigation makes it particularly important that all parties refrain from actions capable of prejudicing the judicial process or undermining the authority of the court.

The Emergence of the Current University Administration

The leadership crisis took a new dimension following the assumption of the current Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong.

The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong became involved in the UCOR dispute following representations made by individuals associated with the former Council of Prof Paul Ajah.

It is the position of the current Council leadership that the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong was not adequately briefed on the historical background, constitutional framework and ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the crisis before taking certain administrative decisions.

The congregation therefore became concerned when actions perceived as taking-side in the dispute rather than being neutral started coming out from the office of the Vice Chancellor through his SA on Religious matters, Mr Timothy Ebere

Removal of the Chaplain from the Official Residence

One of the most contentious actions attributed to the current University administration was the directive concerning the eviction of Rev Ushie from his official residence as Chaplain.

The Chaplain was  initially given a period of three months to vacate the official residence. A subsequent communication jowever directed him to leave the property immediately.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong wrote to CCN to impose Rev Isreal Eyo on UCOR through the late chairman of CCN Late Rev Mensah, while evicting and barring the Chaplain from even gaining access into the University campus, disregarding the letter from  BOT to them that UCOR has a substantive Chaplain and that we are not  in need of one.

The congregation regarded the manner in which the VC Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong directive was implemented as humiliating and disproportionate, particularly because the leadership dispute was still being contested through legal and constitutional channels.

The congregation’s concern was heightened by the fact that Rev. Ushie had reportedly submitted his resignation letter to his parent church, Assemblies of God, several months before the purported letter of suspension and dismissal, after members of the Paul Ajah’s led exco visited the Assemblies of God headquarters Enugu countless times to brainwashed the Assemblies of God leadership Enugu to suspend, and dismissed the Chaplain so it can be used as a supportive evidence to dismissed Rev Ushie from UCOR. How can you suspend and dismiss a man who have resigned from service owing to his retirement age?

Restriction of the Chaplain’s Access to the University

The situation further escalated when the Chaplain was reportedly barred from entering the University of Calabar campus.

Members of the congregation questioned the legal and administrative basis for preventing a serving Chaplain and a first class citizen of Nigeria from accessing the premises of a public institution where the chapel operates, particularly while matters relating to his status remained under judicial consideration.

The congregation viewed the restriction as another indication that the University administration had moved beyond mediation into directly taking side in the internal affairs of UCOR.

Dispute Between the Vice-Chancellor and the Elected Council

The relationship between the Vice-Chancellor and the elected Council subsequently deteriorated.

According to the account of the current Council, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong demanded that the Council Chairman, Prof. David Esien Oku, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Prof. Esien David-Oku reportedly declined to sign the document because, in his view, the UCOR Constitution governs the administration of the church and the Council could not enter into an arrangement that was inconsistent with the Constitution. One of the highlights of the memorandum was for the Chaplain, Rev Ushie to leave chapel, and the current Council as headed by Prof Esien David-Oku, be dissolved. We don’t know who in his right senses will assent to such self inflicted document.

Following this disagreement, the Council Chairman was reportedly suspended from carrying out his official responsibilities within the University.

It is further alleged that his salary is being withheld in part as we speak.

The current Council regards this actions as inappropriate use of University administrative powers to resolve what is fundamentally a church governance dispute.

Threats and Intimidation

The congregation also became concerned over the statements attributed to the Vice-Chancellor’s Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Mr. Timothy Ebere.

It is alleged that the Special Adviser warned or threatened members of the University community concerning possible consequences for University staff who disagreed with the University’s position on the UCOR matters.

There were also alleged threats concerning the restriction of members of the congregation from entering the University premises.

These threats and intimidations raise serious questions concerning freedom of association, due process, administrative fairness and the appropriate limits of University authority in relation to the internal governance of an independent church.

Dissolution of the Elected Council and Creation of a Caretaker Committee

Another major development was the dissolution of the duly elected UCOR Council by the University administration through the Vice-Chancellor’s Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Timothy Ebere.

A caretaker committee was subsequently constituted to replace the elected Council.

This development has generated significant concern among members of the congregation because the Council was elected through the procedure prescribed by the UCOR Constitution.

The central question arising from this development is whether the University administration possesses the constitutional or legal authority to dissolve an elected church council and replace it with a caretaker committee without following the procedures prescribed by the church’s governing documents or obtaining appropriate judicial authority.

The congregation considers this development particularly troubling because the matter is already before the courts.

The Chaplain’s Relationship with Assemblies of God

Another issue that has featured prominently in the dispute concerns Rev. Joseph Ushie’s relationship with Assemblies of God, his parent church.

According to the information available to the congregation, Rev. Ushie had submitted his resignation letter to Assemblies of God church Calabar Presbytery where he served deligently for decades with excellent records several months before the former UCOR Council of Prof. Paul Ajah,  and its associates reportedly approached the Assemblies of God leadership in Enugu concerning his status.

It is further alleged that the Calabar Presbytery of Assemblies of God branch where Rev. Ushie served was not given adequate opportunity to make representations before decisions concerning his suspension or dismissal were taken.

The congregation therefore questions whether the processes leading to the purported suspension and dismissal complied with the applicable rules and principles of natural justice.

It should also be noted that Rev. Ushie reportedly had no access to UCOR funds and depended primarily on the salary paid to him by the church for his livelihood.

Consequently, any allegation concerning the financial management of UCOR should be subjected to transparent and independent investigation rather than being used as a basis for unsubstantiated allegations against any individual.

Court Order and Subsequent University Intervention

Rev. Ushie subsequently challenged the actions of the Vice-Chancellor before the court.

According to the information available to the church, the court issued an injunction restraining the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong from interfering in the affairs of the church pending the determination of the substantive matter.

Despite the reported existence of this court order, University security personnel were subsequently sent by the VC Prof. Offiong to the church during Sunday worship service on the 9th August, 2026.

The presence and actions of security personnel caused significant disruption to the worship service, which was eventually brought to an abrupt end.

Rev Isreal Eyo despite receiving the court injunction through his employer, Prof Offiong, and his team to refrain from the church matter pending court determination and the previous information from the BOT that he will not preach on Sunday 9th August, 2026 as the substantive Chaplain will be manning the pulpit, Rev Isreal Eyo audaciously walk into the church on Sunday 9th August 2026, which contributed to the obstruction of the service on Sunday.

With a valid court order, the circumstances surrounding the incident raise serious questions regarding compliance with judicial authority and the rule of law.

Major Issues Arising from the Crisis

From the foregoing chronology, several fundamental issues require urgent and impartial consideration:

A. Respect for the UCOR Constitution

UCOR has a constitution that regulates its governance, elections and leadership. Any attempt to alter the leadership structure should be consistent with the Constitution and applicable law.

B. Financial Accountability

The demand for a forensic audit should not be viewed as persecution. Where legitimate concerns have been raised concerning the management of church funds, an independent and transparent audit is the most appropriate way to establish the facts.

Equally, allegations of financial misconduct should not be treated as established facts until they are properly investigated and proven.

C. Legitimacy of the 2025 Council Election

The 2025 Council election was conducted through an Electoral Committee, with accreditation of voters and open counting of votes. The legitimacy of the elected Council should therefore be determined by the church’s Constitution and, where necessary, by the courts.

D. University Authority and Church Autonomy

An important issue is the extent of the University’s authority over an independent, interdenominational and non-denominational church operating within the University community.

The University’s legitimate interest in maintaining peace and security should be distinguished from interference in the internal governance of the church.

E. Pending Court Cases

Where matters are before the courts, all parties should exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine or prejudge the judicial process.

F. Due Process and Natural Justice

Every person affected by disciplinary or administrative decisions should be given a fair opportunity to be heard.

G. Need for Independent Mediation

If reconciliation is genuinely the objective, mediation should be conducted by persons who are neutral, independent and adequately informed about the history of the dispute.

19. The Way Forward

The present crisis cannot be resolved through intimidation, unilateral administrative decisions, suspension, eviction, threats or the replacement of elected leaders by caretaker arrangements.

A lasting solution requires:

1. Respect for the UCOR Constitution and the procedures established therein.
2. Respect for existing court orders and the judicial process.
3. An independent forensic audit of the church’s finances covering the relevant period, with the findings made available to the appropriate stakeholders.
4. A transparent reconciliation process involving representatives of all sides.
5. An end to intimidation and threats against members of the congregation or University staff because of their views on the dispute.
6. Restoration of legitimate administrative structures where they have been unlawfully removed, subject to the determination of the appropriate court or competent authority.
7. Protection of the independence of the congregation while recognising the legitimate administrative and security responsibilities of the University.
8. A commitment to truth and accountability rather than personal loyalty or factional interests.
9. Conclusion

The crisis in UNICAL Chapel of Redemption is no longer simply a disagreement between individuals. It has evolved into a complex dispute involving church governance, financial accountability, constitutional authority, University administration, individual rights and ongoing court proceedings.

The congregation deserves an environment where worship can take place peacefully and where its leadership is determined according to the Constitution rather than through intimidation or administrative fiat.

Those who have served in leadership positions should be willing to submit their stewardship to transparent scrutiny. Those currently in leadership should equally be prepared to subject their actions to the Constitution and the law.

The University administration has an important responsibility to maintain peace, order and security within the University community. However, peace cannot be achieved by taking sides, suppressing one faction or imposing a leadership structure on an independent congregation. True peace must be founded on justice, fairness, due process and respect for the rule of law.

The church therefore appeals to all relevant stakeholders—including the University administration, church leadership, former leaders, members of the UCOR and the judiciary—to allow the truth to prevail.

Where there are allegations of financial misconduct, let there be an independent audit.

Where there are allegations of misconduct, let there be due process.

Where there are constitutional disputes, let the Constitution be respected.

Where matters are before the courts, let the courts determine them.

And where reconciliation is desired, let it be pursued through genuine, impartial and transparent mediation.

UCOR deserves peace, but peace without justice will only postpone the crisis. The sustainable solution is justice, accountability, constitutional order and respect for the rule of law.

Shalom…🙏
UCOR cornerned members