Several Nigerian pastors have been on the lips of many, not for their spiritual teachings but for the controversies surrounding them and some big scandals, which have sparked widespread debate and scrutiny.
While commanding large followings and wielding considerable influence, these pastors have been embroiled in scandals from allegations of financial mismanagement and sexual misconduct to bizarre prophecies and public altercations, their actions have often overshadowed their spiritual missions.
Here are some of the pastors whose names have been in the mouths of Nigerians for their controversial acts.
Odumeje
Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, known as Odumeje is the pastor of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry. He has garnered attention for his flamboyant style and dramatic deliverance sessions, earning him the nickname "The Wrestling Pastor."
His controversies include a viral video where he was seen lying on a reverend sister during a deliverance session, sparking outrage on social media. Also called Indaboski Bahoose, he recently released a song with Flavour titled 'Powers' further fueling the controversy surrounding him
Tobi Adegboyega
Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, the founder of SPAC Nation in the UK, has faced several scandals. He was accused of financial mismanagement and exploitation of church members.
The UK government shut down his church after it was discovered that the church failed to account for £1.87 million of outgoings and operated with a lack of transparency.
Additionally, Adegboyega was embroiled in a personal scandal when Nigerian footballer Lanre Kayode accused him of having an affair with his wife, Dora. Despite the serious allegations, Adegboyega dismissed them with a nonchalant response on social media
Oba Solomon
Oba Solomon, a self-proclaimed prophet, has gained notoriety for his outlandish prophecies and controversial statements. His most notable scandal involved a public fallout with other prominent Nigerian clerics, whom he accused of practicing occultism.
His unfiltered and often provocative messages on social media have led to widespread criticism and debates about his legitimacy as a religious leader.
Johnson Suleman
Apostle Johnson Suleman, the founder of Omega Fire Ministries, has been involved in several controversies. One of the most prominent scandals was in 2017, when he was accused of having an extramarital affair with a Canadian-based singer, Stephanie Otobo, who claimed that Suleman impregnated her and later tried to silence her.
Despite the allegations, Suleman denied any wrongdoing and described the accusations as an attempt to blackmail him. Suleman is also known for several prophecies which never came to pass from Politics to Sports and others.
Biodun Fatoyinbo
Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) has faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The most high-profile case involved Busola Dakolo, a celebrity photographer, who accused him of raping her when she was a teenager.
This accusation led to widespread outrage and protests against him. Although Fatoyinbo has denied the allegations, the case significantly tarnished his reputation and brought to light other similar accusations from different women.
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