With a daily increasing population and the height of corruption and neglect that they suffer, religion is said to be the last hope of an average Nigerian and his daily mantra is “with God, all things are possible”. Hence, most Nigerians have turned to churches for hope and succor. This is however not the case as some churches have turned their congregation into cash cows, milking them with promises of more abundance from God.
An average Nigerian is superstitious and wants to enter the Kingdom of God where it is believed that everlasting Joy and happiness await whoever gains it. They also believe that their spiritual leaders were ordained by God to guide them to His Kingdom. This is why some church worshippers would rather wait for the approval of their spiritual father before taking any step. However, there is a thin line between worshipping God and worshiping Spiritual father.
Some pastors are known to use emotional manipulation and biblical passages to threaten their congregants into sowing seeds, giving tithes and offerings they don’t even have. We also can’t rule out corrupt politicians who donate billions to the church in a bid to wash their sins away and buy their way into the Kingdom of God.
Here is a list of some of the richest pastors in Nigeria and their Networth.
Bishop David Oyedepo
With headquarters situated in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, and ministries all over the world, David Oyedepo’s Living Faith Church worldwide, popularly known as Winner’s Chapel International ranks 1 in Nigeria. Bishop Oyedepo has a networth of over $150 million, owns four private jets and many multi-million dollar properties around the world. The church also owns Convenant and Landmark University where he is the Chancellor and Chairman. These institutions rank top 10 most expensive private universities in Nigeria.
He once posted using his Twitter handle the “dangers” of not paying tithe. He said “Tithing is an inescapable covenant obligation. Prosperity not just wealth is impossible without tithing, because when you’re not paying your tithe, you’re under a financial curse” of course this was met with general backlash from critics who thought his comment was insensitive, especially at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic was still raging.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Popularly known for his signature hairstyle, Pastor Chris is the founder and Presiding Pastor of Love World’s Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, with headquarters in Lagos. His sermons are televised and watched by thousands of people all over the world. The charismatic pastor’s assets include residential properties in Nigeria and abroad, luxurious cars worth millions of naira and two private jets.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye
80-year-old Enoch Adejare Adeboye is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG) and with a networth of about $120 million dollars, Pastor Adeboye is ranked top 5 wealthiest pastors in Nigeria. With branches in countries all over the world and at least one in every street of Lagos, RCCG is considered top two most popular churches in Nigeria. Despite not being the founder of RCCG, Enoch Adeboye is the face of RCCG worldwide as the church gained massive popularity on his succeeding Pa Akindayomi as the General Overseer. Fondly called Daddy GO by his congregants, Pastor Adeboye oversees a network of over 40,000 parish-churches in over 180 Countries around the globe.
Pastor W.F Kumuyi
William Folorunsho Kumuyi founder of the Deeper Christian Life Church has an estimated networth of over $10 million dollars and is one of the wealthiest and most influential pastors in Nigeria. The Deeper Life Christian Ministry has its headquarters situated in Gbagada and with about 30,000 seater capacity is considered the fourth largest church auditorium in the world. Kumuyi was formerly a member of the Anglican Christian church and only went ahead to start his own church after he was expelled from ACC for going against its doctrine. Kumuyi’s church started as a Bible study group in 1973 and later expanded into the Deeper Life Christian Ministry. The Deeper Christian Life Ministry is committed to promoting conservative Christian ideals.
Pastor Gbenga Oso
Pastor Gbenga Oso popularly known as “father of million babies” is the founder and General Overseer of Laughter Foundation Church International, a ministry that mainly caters for couples seeking the fruit of the womb and other childbearing issues. It’s no surprise why this ministry has a high population of women. Gbenga Oso has an estimated networth of about $3 million excluding properties worth millions of naira.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo
The founder of the Kingsway International Christian Center (KICC) has an estimated wealth of about $10 million with properties around the world. KICC has garnered much popularity and Western Europe.
Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor
Former President of CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor is the presiding pastor of the Word of Life Bible Church whose headquarters is located in Warri, Delta State. His wealth is estimated to about $10 million with residential and business properties around the world, a limousine, Land Cruiser and a private jet.
Bishop Mike Okonkwo
Bishop Okonkwo is the president of The Redeemed Evangelical Ministry (TREM) with its headquarters situated in Lagos and over 150 branches all over the world. Bishop Mike has an estimated networth of about $3 million with properties around the world.
Pastor Sam Adeyemi
Popularly known as Pastor Sam, Sam Adeyemi is considered one of Nigeria’s influential pastors with an estimated networth of about $5 million. He is a successful author and motivational speaker whose preachings appeals mostly to the nation’s youths. He also hosts the popular programme “Success powers” on TV. He is known for speaking against pubillc ills and upholding moral virtues in his preachings.
Apostle Johnson Suleman
Apostle Johnson Suleman is the senior pastor and General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries International.
The Church is based in Auchi, Edo State and was created in 2004.
Apostle Suleman is worth over $15 million US Dollars (#180, 000, 000.00million naira), putting all his assets and endorsements together. He is among the ministers in Nigeria that own a private jet.
He owns exotic cars like Porsche, G-Wagon, and other expensive cars.
