Ndifreke Jacob, Uyo.
Wealth accumulation and investment is one sustainable venture that people do not joke with.
Prior, the accumulation of wealth, buying and investing in property and owning luxury cars, houses and clothes were collective reserve of politicians who monopolize resources of the common people.
Today, the right to own luxury property and investment has move from the cadre of politicians, venture capitalists to the religious space. It is common these days to see a pastor amass wealth that runs through 10 generations.
Pastors or priest as the bible refers to them have moved from just fishing souls for Christ to becoming big magnate and mogul in business and investment sector.
In Nigeria, there are lot of pastors whose wealth if tabulated is worth more than the budget of some African countries.
As we all know, these pastors do not work or have jobs, the only jobs they have is preach the word of God, win souls for Christ and tend after the flock of God. Some who are gifted and bless go a bit farther to perform miracles and deliverance for people which at times come with great reward.
The rewards can be encompassing like the bible says – ‘a man’s gift makes way for him.’ These pastors eat greatly from the dividend of their talent and calling, may be that is why God uses people and other means to enlarge their coast.
When the issue of wealth accumulation comes up, there are certain pastors who have reaped from the gains of the ministry, this is what this piece will focus on.
For this piece, we’ll be looking at top 10 richest pastors in Nigeria, their net worth and investment.
The top 10 richest pastors we selected are as follows:
- Bishop David Oyedepo
- Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
- Pastor Enoch Adeboye
- Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor
- Pastor David Ibiyeomie
- Pastor Lazarus Mouka
- Apostle Johnson Suleman
- Pastor Sam Adeyemi
- Pastor Paul Eneche
- Pastor Chris Okotie
BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO – WINNERS CHAPEL
When it comes to the list of richest pastors in Nigeria, Bishop David Oyedepo sits comfortably on the table with a net worth of over $150 million which is equivalent t0 85.5 billion naira.
Bishop Oyedepo is the founder and senior pastor of Living Faith Church Worldwide.
He is married to Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo and their marriage is blessed with four children – David (jnr), Isaac, Love and Joy.
Bishop Oyedepo is a man of many parts. He is an architect, author of many scriptural and inspirational books, televangelist and business man.
He was born in Osogbo on 27th September, 1954 and raised by his godmother. The man of God hails from Omu-Aran in Kwara State.
Alongside his wife and children, Bishop Oyedepo built his church and expanded to becoming one of the biggest churches in Africa.
He houses a 50,000-seater auditorium with an overflow of 250,000 called Faith Tabernacle or Canaan land, Ota.
The auditorium was named the world’s largest church auditorium by Guinness Book of World Records.
The church can be found in 45 African countries and in the United Kingdom, United States of America and Dubai.
BRIEF ABOUT BISHOP OYEDEPO’S HUMBLE BEGINNING
Time and again, Bishop Oyedepo has shared testimonies of his humble beginnings and how God used him to build one of the most powerful ministries in the World.
Bishop in one of his testimonies narrated how God arrested him after an eighteen hour supernatural in 1981 and told him specifically to be a fisher of souls for God.
Like every young preacher out there, Bishop Oyedepo went through the rope of preaching and ministry with the mentorship of Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God where he was ordained and groomed for kingdom ministry in 1983.
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Having acquired the tutelage and jumped the gun of kingdom ministration, Oyedepo set out with his wife to start his own church same year with four other people who served as their first congregation.
When they started the church, the church was named Liberation Faith Hour Ministries which they ran for five years before changing it to Living Faith World Outreach Centre and then later to Living Faith Church.
Bishop Oyedepo and his wife, Faith started their little beginning as young preachers and founders of the church in Kaduna State before they decided to try the murky waters of Eko city in 1989, which signpost the birth of a new branch.
With the new branch in place, precisely, on August 29, 1998, the foundation stone for the church’s headquarter was laid in Ota, Lagos State
The church which sits on a 17,000 acres of land, 69km2 in Ota took Bishop Oyedepo 12 months to complete and was commissioned on September 19, 1999.
BISHOP OYEDEPO’S INVESTMENTS AND NET WORTH
Bishop Oyedepo has showed that he’s not only a preacher but a man of God who can double the kingdom ministry with business and investment. Bishop Oyedepo parades a large ensemblage of business entities and conglomerate in different sector which include – real estate, education, books, among others.
In the real estate sector, Bishop Oyedepo announced in 2015 that he’s building 100,000 capacity Faith Arena which when completed will become the world’s largest auditorium in the world.
The auditorium named Canaan City sits on an 8,000 hectares of land in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA in Ogun State. The project is reported to be Africa’s biggest housing estate after the Co-Op City in Bronx, New York which was built in 1968 and 1973 in USA.
The estate will have police and fire service station, shopping malls, Independent Power Plant, sport centres, parks and gardens, swimming pools and other facilities.
He also owns Goshen City, another mulit-billion naira project lying on a 560 acres of land along Abuja-Keffi road. The project which was started in 2008 and completed has a 15,000 capacity sanctuary with facilities like mini-housing complex, Faith Academy (Nursery & Primary), Heritage School, Covenant Printing Press etc.
In the education sector, Bishop Oyedepo owns one of if not the most expensive University schools in the Nigeria. His investment in the education sector has given a boost to parents who yearn for quality education for their kids.
His schools are:
- Covenant University (one of the best universities in Nigeria)
- Landmark University, Omu-Aran
- Pentecostal Christian University, Ota
- Crown University, Cross River State (undergoing construction)
- Faith Academies
- Kingdom Heritage Model Schools
In the publishing sector, Bishop Oyedepo who sits as the Chairman of Dominion Publishing house has written many books which cuts across the Christian denomination. With more than 70 books to his credit in text, visuals, audio and print, Bishop Oyedepo has placed himself as an exceptional and extraordinary preacher. His publishing unit of the ministry boast of more than four million prints sold on Amazon and other platforms.
Some of the books he has written are:
- Breaking the Curses of Life
- Walking in the Miraculous
- All You Need to Have Your Needs Met
- Anointing for Breakthrough
- Satan Get Lost
- Not By Power of the Word
- The Miracle Meal
- Making Maximum Impact
- Understanding the Power of Praise
- Winning Faith
LIST OF SOME OF BISHOP OYEDEPO’S PROPERTY
Bishop Oyedepo’s eye for luxury items is enviable. He is the one of the pastors that lives and dine in luxury. His ministry has and other businesses have helped him to acquire some of the most luxurious items in the world.
He owns exotic cars, private jets and properties over billions of naira. His four private jets is estimated at 25 billion naira and helicopter which he uses for his kingdom trips.
His Gulfstream I, IV, Bombadier Challenger 604 (N664D), Gulfstream V Jet is estimated at $30 million.
He also owns a multimillion naira mansion and fleet of exotic cars like Mercedes-Benz C-class, Roll Royce Phantom, BMW, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
Aside his wealth and kingdom assets, Bishop Oyedepo through the Oyedepo’s foundation has impacted and touched lives in tremendous ways. His foundation has helped people in the educational, social welfare, youth leadership, health, kingdom promotion, and scholarships to indigenes and residents in African countries.
PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder of Believers LoveWorld Incorporated otherwise known as Christ Embassy. Christ Embassy which was established in the early 2000s in Nigeria was started by Pastor Chris alongside his estranged wife, Anita.
Their marriage was blessed with two children, Carissa Sharon and Charlyn Oyakhilome. Their marriage lasted for 25years and were separated in February, 2016 following a petition by Pastor Anita at the Central Family Court, High Holborn, London in April 2014.
Pastor Chris, born December 7th, 1963 in Edo State is an internationally recognized televangelist, author, TV host and public speaker whose wealth of experience and pattern of teaching has stirred an upsurge of kingdom interest among young people.
He is currently the second richest pastor in Nigeria with a net worth of $50 million which is equivalent of 28.5 billion naira. His headquarter is based in Lagos State with over hundreds of branches spread across Nigeria and other countries.
His ministry parades a community of great and dynamic gospel talents/singers who have taken the world of gospel ministration by storm. His Rhapsodies of Realities booklet was one of the most circulated Christian pamphlets in Nigeria in early 2000s with millions of copies shared.
In 2005, Pastor Chris hosted the biggest single night occasion ‘’Great Friday Night Miracle’’ with 3.5 million people in attendance and has since become one of the most influential pastors in Africa.
PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME PROPERTY AND NET WORTH
Pastor Chris has lot of luxury and exotic property to his name. His property and assets spread across the real estate industry. He has personal property in real estate, private jet, exotic cars and others.
His fleet of cars include; Bentley GTC valued at 81million naira, Mercedes Benz G-Wagon, valued at 35million naira, Range Rover Sport valued at 18million naira plus others.
He has lot of other property including mansions running into millions of naira.
PASTOR ENOCH ADEBOYE’S NET WORTH AND PROPERTY
Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye is a Nigerian pastor and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
Pastor Enoch born in Ifewara, Osun State on March 2nd 1942 is a graduate of Mathematics from the University of Ile Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.
The soft spoken man of God started out as a teacher before joining the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1973 with Pastor Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi.
He is married to Pastor Foluke and the marriage is blessed with four children – Adeolu, Bolu Adubi, Leke and Dare. He lost of his sons, Leke who pastored one of the church branches in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
Pastor Enoch like the biblical Enoch who found favour and lived a righteous life has created hope for the down-trodden and less privileged Christians through his teachings and outreaches.
HIS NET WORTH AND PROPERTY
Despite leading a congregation of modest standing, Pastor Enoch has succeeded in carting for himself through investment and businesses spread across Nigeria, an estimated net worth of $110 million which its equivalence is 50.1billion naira in Nigerian currency.
Pastor Enoch like other richest pastors in Nigeria own fleet of luxurious cars, houses, private jet, schools and businesses.
He owns Rolls Royce Phantom, a luxury car which cost about $400,000, Mercedes Benz Gelandewagen, valued at $100,000, Land Rover Discovery which cost about $80,000 plus several other property scattered around the world.
PASTOR AYODELE ORITSEGBUBEMI ORITSEJAFOR
Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor also known as Papa Ayo is the Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri.
Papa Ayo is also one of the richest pastors in Nigeria with a whooping $32 million – 14.7 billion naira as his net worth.
Papa Ayo is happily married to Pastor Helen and the marriage is blessed with two children. He was born on November 10.
He held the position of National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria from February 7, 2005. In 2010, he was also chosen as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, the umbrella body for all Christians.
Papa Ayo and his wife, Helen have been instrumental to the upliftment of many less privileged and disadvantaged people.
In December 2005, they formed an alliance with Flight Micro-Finance Bank and empowered people.
Again, they held a destitute easing program in Warri which gave hope and goodwill to people of under-privileged status.
HIS NET WORTH AND PROPERTY
Papa Ayo boast of a net worth of $32 billion plus ownership of luxury cars and houses and businesses.
His cars are: Limousine, Toyota Land Cruiser, Bombardier Challenger 601 private jet valued at $3.5 million, plus others.
The headquarter of his church is in Warri.
PASTOR DAVID IBIYEOMIE
Pastor David Ibiyeomie is a Nigerian preacher who hails from Bonny Island, Rivers State. He is an indigene of Ogu/Bolo Local government area.
He is the General Overseer of Salvation Ministries International. Pastor Ibiyeomie, born on October 21st, 1962 is married to Pastor Peace and they have a son together, David Ibiyeomie Jnr.
The pastor who runs one of the biggest churches in Port Harcourt, an oil-rich state found his calling in 1995 and was mentored by his spiritual father, Bishop David Oyedepo.
Known as the Apostle of Prosperity and Great Wellbeing, Pastor David started his ministry after passing through the rope of theological grooming at the Word of Faith Bible Institute, Lagos.
He later moved and started his own ministry at Birabi Street, Port Harcourt in April 13, 1997.
His ministry has grew and spread across Nigeria with over 30 branches with large congregations and other televised channels.
HIS NET WORTH AND PROPERTY
Pastor David is worth over $41 million and 18.8billion naira according to statistics.
He also own property like luxury cars, houses and businesses
Like other pastors in his league, Pastor owns a Rolls Royce Phantom, Limousine, Land Rover, private jet, and houses.
- PASTOR LAZARUS MOUKA
If there’s anything that stands Pastor Lazarus out is his pattern of preaching and his crop of very religious congregation. He is the General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Renewal Movement.
He was born into a Catholic family in Mgbidi, Imo State and is married to Joy Mouka.
In 1994, Pastor Mouka left the Catholic fold and started his own church which has become one of the biggest religious movements in Nigeria.
HIS NET WORTH
Not much information is in the public about how Pastor Mouka makes his money. But the man of God who runs a powerhouse is an author of many books. Pastor Muoka has an estimated net worth of $8million.
APOSTLE JOHNSON SULEMAN
There’s no man of God in Nigeria that has been found in very messy scandal as Apostle Johnson Suleman. Currently, he’s been dragged online following a revelation by Instablog and Nollywood Actor, Halima Abubakar who accused the man of God for being responsible for the downturn and ailment of some ladies he allegedly slept with.
The Founder of Omega Fire Ministries International has however gave a deaf ears to all the accusations from women.
Despite being caught in the web of scandals, Apostle Suleman who was born in March 24th, 1971 successfully built his church from Auchi, Edo State and has expanded to other states with many branches.
He is married to Dr Lizzy Johnson Suleman and they have two children – Divine, Ebenezer Suleman,
APOSTLE JOHNSON SULEMAN’S NET WORTH
Apostle has a net worth of $10.5 million – 4.8billion naira with lot of luxury cars and property in his name.
Some of his cars: Rolls Royce Phantom, Toyota Prado Jeep, Private jet, plus a home that cost over 800million naira.
PASTOR SAM ADEYEMI
Pastor Sam Adeyemi is one of the finest and smart preachers in Nigeria. He carries himself as a man of beautiful pedigree and raiser of a generation of thoughtful Christian leaders.
Though he is one of Bishop Oyedepo’s spiritual sons, Pastor Adeyemi who started his career as a young minister alongside his sibling Victor has continued to remain one of the best speakers and writers in the religious space.
Born in Odo-Ere, Yagba-West, Kogi State on February 3rd 1967, pastor Adeyemi has successfully built an intimidating profile laced with decency and grace.
He is known for his program – ‘’SUCCESS POWER’’. He is happily married to Pastor Nike and they are blessed with three children.
He is the General Overseer of Daystar Christian Centre, President of Success Power International and Head, Daystar Leadership Academy.
- HIS NET WORTH AND PROPERTY
Pastor Adeyemi has an estimated net worth of $19 million and 8.7billion naira. Also, he owns some exotic cars like Mercedes Benz S350 which was a gift from one of his congregations.
He also has Lexus LX 570 plus luxury houses. He however relocated to the United States of America while his church is still running in Lagos.
- PASTOR PAUL ENENCHE
Pastor Paul Eneche is one of the pastors whose ministry is growing beyond leap and bounds. Pastor Eneche who is a medical doctor who transitioned into the ministry with the birth of his church, Dunamis International Gospel Centre in 1996.
He started his ministry with his first service in Abuja at the Centre for Arts and Culture before he moved his ministry to Sheraton Hotel where they held their services for six months before moving to their permanent site.
The International Conference Centre and Glory Dome is one of the biggest auditorium.
His ministry runs different arms like –the bible training school called Dunamis School of Ministry, Destiny Academy and Destiny College.
Pastor Enenche is married to Pastor Becky and their marriage is blessed with children.
He has lot of books to his credit which is published through the ministry’s publishing house – Destiny Publication.
Along with his wife, Pastor Eneche started a daily devotional guide called SEEDS OF DESTINY, 21 Laws of life, The Story of the Glory.
Pastor Eneche also doubles as a gospel singer with many songs to his credit.
HIS NET WORTH AND PROPERTY
Pastor Eneche has an estimated net worth of $25 million plus luxury cars like Lexus LX 570, Mercedes Benz G-Wagon, private jet, and mansions.
PASTOR CHRIS OKOTIE
Pastor Chris Okotie is one pastor that has continued proved naysayer wrong. The pastor who transitioned from the pop industry to preaching is the founder of Household of God Church International Ministries.
Pastor Chris hails from Ethiope East, Abraka, Delta State and was born in June 16th, 1958.
He was married to Stephanie Henshaw in 2012 but divorced. He also divorced Tina in 2001.
He founded the church in 1987 after studying at Grace Fellowship Bible School, Tusla, Oklahoma and receiving full training on ministry and preaching.
He ran his ministry for years before trying his hands in the political circle. He went into mainstream politics and founded Fresh Democratic Party which he ran as Presidential candidate and lost three times.
HIS NET WORTH AND PROPERTY
Pastor Chris has eye for exotic and sophisticated cars. When he marked his 27 years in ministry, he bought himself a Rolls Royce Phantom.
Like other pastors, Pastor Chris has great collection of books he has written – State Policies, Prophetic Solutions, The Last Outcast, Game Changers, among others.
Pastor Chris has an estimated net worth of $10 million.
Apart from his ministerial work, Pastor Chris spends his money on charities and helping disadvantaged people through his church.
