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Mugodhi's son loses Supreme Court appeal ending power wrangle
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Washington Mugodhi, the son of the late Bishop Tadeu Mugodhi of the Mugodhi Apostolic Faith Church (MAFC), has suffered another legal blow after the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal against a High Court ruling that declared him not the legitimate leader of the church.
A panel of three judges - Justices Hlekhani Mwayera, Lavender Makoni, and Elizabeth Gwaunza - unanimously upheld the High Court's decision. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal with costs, stating that the lower court's ruling was legally sound.
"Whereupon after reading documents filed of record and hearing counsel it is ordered that the appeal be and is hereby dismissed with costs. Full reasons to follow in due course," the judges wrote.
The legal battle began after High Court Judge Justice Siyabona Musithu ruled on August 14 that Washington Mugodhi does not hold rightful leadership over the MAFC. The decision ended a protracted leadership dispute that had caused factionalism within the church, reinstating Aaron Munodawafa as the legitimate bishop of the apostolic sect.
The Munodawafa faction had strongly opposed Washington's leadership, accusing him of violating the church's constitution. According to the sect's rules, the deputy bishop is meant to take over leadership following the bishop's death.
Washington's appointment by his late father, Bishop Tadeu Mugodhi, sparked unrest within the church, with critics arguing it undermined constitutional provisions. Despite his appeal to the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the High Court's judgment, the apex court rejected his claims.
The decision solidifies Aaron Munodawafa's position as the rightful leader of MAFC, one of Zimbabwe's largest apostolic sects, headquartered in Chitope, Wedza.
The court ruling is expected to bring an end to the internal divisions that have plagued the church since the death of Bishop Tadeu Mugodhi. However, the case has also highlighted the critical role of constitutional adherence in religious institutions, a point repeatedly underscored throughout the dispute.
As the dust settles, church members and leaders will look to Munodawafa to unify the congregation and steer the church forward in line with its guiding principles.
A panel of three judges - Justices Hlekhani Mwayera, Lavender Makoni, and Elizabeth Gwaunza - unanimously upheld the High Court's decision. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal with costs, stating that the lower court's ruling was legally sound.
"Whereupon after reading documents filed of record and hearing counsel it is ordered that the appeal be and is hereby dismissed with costs. Full reasons to follow in due course," the judges wrote.
The legal battle began after High Court Judge Justice Siyabona Musithu ruled on August 14 that Washington Mugodhi does not hold rightful leadership over the MAFC. The decision ended a protracted leadership dispute that had caused factionalism within the church, reinstating Aaron Munodawafa as the legitimate bishop of the apostolic sect.
The Munodawafa faction had strongly opposed Washington's leadership, accusing him of violating the church's constitution. According to the sect's rules, the deputy bishop is meant to take over leadership following the bishop's death.
Washington's appointment by his late father, Bishop Tadeu Mugodhi, sparked unrest within the church, with critics arguing it undermined constitutional provisions. Despite his appeal to the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the High Court's judgment, the apex court rejected his claims.
The decision solidifies Aaron Munodawafa's position as the rightful leader of MAFC, one of Zimbabwe's largest apostolic sects, headquartered in Chitope, Wedza.
The court ruling is expected to bring an end to the internal divisions that have plagued the church since the death of Bishop Tadeu Mugodhi. However, the case has also highlighted the critical role of constitutional adherence in religious institutions, a point repeatedly underscored throughout the dispute.
As the dust settles, church members and leaders will look to Munodawafa to unify the congregation and steer the church forward in line with its guiding principles.
Source - NewZimbabwe
