Meet Nigeria’s Controversial Pastors Who Made Headlines

Nigeria, no doubt, has an abundance of ‘Men-Of-God’ who exhibits different spiritual gifts. They are found in every ministry of God either as pastors, prophets or priests.

For one reason or the other, some of these spiritual talents pop up in the news occasionally. But there are some who have enjoyed more media attention, not for the miracles they perform or the souls they saved, but for stirring controversy either in the church or in politics.

THE WHISTLER, in this report, reviews men of God who have sparked reactions with their action or words.

Chris Oyakhilome

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy Church in time past has made highly controversial statements that raised eye-brows in the church.

Oyakhilome on a telecast said masturbation was not a sin while addressing the issue of masturbation amongst Christians.

TB Joshua

Temitope Balogun Joshua commonly referred to as T. B. Joshua, is the leader and founder of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations.

Prophet Joshua, in a video that went viral, prophesied that Hillary Clinton would win the US presidential election.

He told his congregation that he “saw” a woman winning.

On trump emerging the winner of the election, the man of God Joshua said, “There was nothing controversial about the prophecy. It is human beings that are controversial.”

Joshua is practically worshiped by his congregation as they call him Emmanuel which means “God with us”, thus making his case so peculiar that only a few men of God want to be identified with him.

Chris Okotie

Pastor Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church International Ministries, Lagos never stayed away from controversy since 2014.

The pop star turned cleric on several occasions declared his intention to become Nigeria’s president, but in 2015 during an interview with Punch, Okotie caused a spark on social media as he dragged God into his political ambition.

“God spoke to me about my participation in the political process, which was why I took the step in the first place. He has not said anything contrary.’’, Rev. Okotie said.

The pastor, in a recent video which was viral on the social media, has again declared his intention to run for the 2019 presidential election.

EJIKE Mbaka

Ejike Mbaka is the controversial catholic priest and Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministries in Enugu.

Mbaka was regarded as a controversial priest following comments he made against former president Goodluck Jonathan while he was in office and during the 2015 re-election bid.

He allegedly predicted Jonathan’s defeat in the presidential election, and prophesied that President Muhammadu Buhari would be elected into office.

He was also alleged to have fallen apart with Jonathan over the latter’s refusal of his request for an oil well.

Recently, Mbaka prophesied that President Buhari would not survive his sickness which has taken him out of the country on several occasions.

“His health was in a bad shape and he was asking that (Fr Mbaka) should pray for him. None among the people I have called picked my calls,” Mbaka had said.

Apostle Suleiman

General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman had prophesied that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kolapo Olusola will defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Kayode Fayemi in the governorship election in Ekiti State.

“God told me expressly that APC is finished in Nigeria & you will see how God will disgrace them in Ekiti. They will lose heavily.”

However, the prophesy failed as APC defeated the PDP.

The failed prophesy stirred up social media as the Special Assistant on Social Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie and many other Nigerians blasted the apostle for his sayings.