***Church is yet to respond to calls for transfer over leadership dispute
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
A leadership dispute has emerged in Omi, a community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, where some residents are calling for the transfer of the Resident Pastor of The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN), Pastor J. A. Olawuyi.
The call was contained in a letter signed by Prince Bolarin Friday Ogungbemi, National Vice Chairman of the Omi Descendants Association, acting on behalf of the Association’s National Chairman.
The letter made available to newsmen, accused the pastor of conduct allegedly perceived as divisive and unbecoming.
According to the petitioners, Pastor Olawuyi’s leadership style has caused friction within the Christian community in Omi and strained relations between The Apostolic Church and the local chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The Association claimed that efforts were previously made to seek his transfer through a letter to the Egbe Area Superintendent of TACN dated February 17, 2025.
Allegations included claims that the pastor does not engage with respected clerics from the community and that his actions had discouraged unity among churches.
Further allegations suggest that some church members feel uncomfortable with the pastor’s methods and have accused him—without verified proof—of exhibiting a domineering attitude and making alarming personal claims.
However, as at the time of this report, no official response had been issued by either Pastor Olawuyi or The Apostolic Church Nigeria.
The church leadership has also not publicly acknowledged the call for his transfer.
It was also alleged that the TACN Omi Assembly, under Pastor Olawuyi’s leadership, has distanced itself from CAN activities in the town, with some members reportedly moving to other churches.
While the petitioners maintain that their concerns are based on a desire to preserve harmony within the Christian fold in Omi, observers believe the situation may reflect deeper internal conflicts within the church and broader community.
Copies of the initial petition were reportedly forwarded to security agencies in Yagba West Local Government, including the Divisional Police Officer, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the NSCDC Commandant.