Elder Sunday Oibe Accused of Disgracing Church Amid Northern CAN L’ship Rift

By Tgnews Reporter

A sharp public rebuke has emerged within Christian circles in Northern Nigeria, as Evangelist Musa D. Misal, former youth leader of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has called on Elder Sunday Oibe to cease what he describes as unbecoming conduct that tarnishes the biblical role of an elder in the church.

In a strongly worded open letter circulating widely, Evangelist Misal expressed deep disappointment over Elder Oibe’s recent comments in national newspapers and an appearance on Arise TV.

He argued that such outbursts fall short of the scriptural standards for elders, who are called to be mature spiritual leaders responsible for shepherding, teaching, and protecting the church, as outlined in 1 Peter 5:1–4 and Acts 20:28.

The Bible, he noted, also requires elders to be blameless, hospitable, self-controlled, and worthy of honor (1 Timothy 3:1–7, 5:17).

The criticism centers on Elder Oibe’s alleged attacks against Rev. Joseph Hayab, the Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Evangelist Misal praised Rev. Hayab as a humble leader who has tirelessly worked to foster peace, promote justice, and advocate for the rights and welfare of Christians in the region.

He highlighted significant positive progress achieved under Rev. Hayab’s leadership in just one year.

Evangelist Misal accused Elder Oibe of using multiple organization names and titles in press statements over the past five days, describing this as a sign of confusion and power drunkenness.

He questioned when CAN has ever assessed or appointed anyone as an “Executive Secretary” in the manner claimed, and urged Elder Oibe to stop creating division in the affairs of the Northern Christian body.

The letter also referenced an ongoing dispute over properties. Evangelist Misal stated that since December last year, formal requests have been made for the return of properties entrusted to Elder Oibe and Rev. Yakubu Pam during their tenure in office.

He claimed the two have refused to vacate or hand over these vital assets after spending 10 years in leadership roles, calling the delay a breach of legal, ethical, and goodwill obligations.

“We urge you to retract your statements and offer a public apology to our leaders and the entire association,” Evangelist Misal wrote. “Additionally, we expect the immediate handover of the properties in question… Let us resolve this matter amicably and refocus our energies on the collective goals that unite us as a community of faith.”

The controversy appears linked to a broader leadership tussle within the Northern chapter of CAN. Recent developments include a court ruling striking out a challenge to Rev. Hayab’s emergence as chairman, and the group’s recent adoption of the name “Northern Christian Association” (NCA) to revive its original 1964 identity and reduce confusion with the national CAN structure.

Elder Oibe, associated with the Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) and previously linked to a rival faction, has publicly criticized the name change and questioned the authority behind Rev. Hayab’s position.

Evangelist Misal, who has previously served in youth leadership roles within Northern CAN structures, concluded his letter with hope for a swift, positive resolution “in faith and solidarity.”

This public exchange underscores ongoing tensions in the leadership of Christian bodies in Northern Nigeria, amid efforts to strengthen regional advocacy for Christian communities facing various challenges. Neither Elder Oibe nor Rev. Hayab has issued an immediate response to the letter as of this report.