OYEBISI FOLAYEMI OMOLEYE, J.C.A. (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal against the decision of the High Court of Taraba State sitting in Jalingo (hereinafter referred to as the trial Court) delivered on 7th of December, 2016 in Suit No: TRSJ/479M/2016.
The background facts of this matter are that, at the trial Court, the Respondent herein as plaintiff on 10th January, 2015 took a Writ of Summons against the Appellants herein as defendants in Suit No: TRSJ/1/2015 and claimed declaratory reliefs as follows:
1. AN ORDER DECLARING that only the Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria possesses the power to appoint, transfer or discipline any clerical and administrative staff of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria.
2. AN ORDER DECLARING that only the Bishop has the powers to fix dates for, and preside over, Annual Conferences of the three conferences of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria.
3. AN ORDER DECLARING that the defendants do not have powers to appoint, tr…