Have you ever heard of a church embroiled in a nearly two-decade-long legal battle? That’s the story of Winners Chapel International in Accra.
Winners Chapel International’s history in Accra is marked by both growth and a tumultuous split. The story involves Bishop David Oyedepo and his spiritual son Bishop George Adjeman. The church’s journey through the Ghanaian legal system is quite a tale.
Bishop Adjeman a Ghanaian was a protege of Oyedepo in Kaduna. He was ordained as Bishop by Oyedepo in 1999. Adjeman served in Abuja Port Harcourt and Lagos. He was considered a faithful servant and the only non-Nigerian consecrated Bishop in the Living Faith Church Worldwide.
In 2002 Adjeman was sent to head Winners Chapel Ghana. It consisted of 14 churches and a school. In 2003 the Ghanaian government required churches to register. Adjeman registered the church in his own name in 2004. This act triggered a long series of conflicts.
Winners Chapel International experienced a major crisis. In 2004 Bishop Adjeman declared independence. This led to a split within the church. The central issue was the control and registration of the church in Ghana.
The Church Gist reported on the events. Bishop Adjeman refused to remit funds to the Nigerian headquarters. He was then transferred to Ibadan. Adjeman rejected the transfer. He told church members it was because of his refusal to remit money.
On June 4 2004 Adjeman declared independence. He even hired armed policemen. Bishop Abioye was sent to Accra. He was meant to resolve the crisis. Adjeman refused to see him. Thugs even harassed Bishop Abioye. Adjeman was then sacked by the Church Headquarters.
The Ghanaian Pentecostal Fellowship intervened. They ordered Adjeman to vacate the premises. Winners Chapel International then established a new place of worship. The original body was called WCI Ghana. Adjeman’s faction was called Winners Chapel Ghana or WCG.
The legal battle lasted for 19 years. In 2017 the Ghanian High Court dismissed WCI’s lawsuit. But properties acquired between 1996 and 2002 were to be valued. Half of their cash value was to be returned to WCI. WCI appealed the decision.
In November 2020 the Appeal Court reversed the High Court’s decisions. All properties were to be returned to Winners Chapel International. Adjeman was to provide an account of his leadership. He was also barred from using the name Winners Chapel.
Adjeman appealed to the Supreme Court of Ghana. In 2023 the Supreme Court ordered Adjeman to vacate the premises. The court upheld some orders. These included the recovery of land and properties by Living Faith World Outreach Centre.
Winners Chapel International has grown since the split. It now has over 250 churches in Ghana. Bishop Adjeman’s group has declined significantly.
Winners Chapel International’s story is a testament to resilience. The church has grown despite internal conflicts and legal challenges. The indigenization policy has been intensified. Funds are now managed by local church councils. Transfers happen regularly. Most projects are funded locally. The WCI released a constitution to keep members informed.
As you stand here you are witnessing a landmark of faith. Winners Chapel International has shown a great story of triumph. It’s a place where faith hope and perseverance converge.