People view the wealth of men of God from different
angles. While some think there’s nothing bad living a good life filled with
abundant wealth, others believe men of God are just supposed have enough, and
that their calling doesn’t require excess.
Whichever way you choose to look at this, everyone has a
right to their opinion.
Here are the five pastors Forbes think are the richest in
Nigeria.
 |
| Bishop David Oyedepo |
1. Bishop David
Oyedepo
Affiliation: Living Faith World Outreach Ministry, aka
Winners Chapel
Estimated net worth: $150 million
David Oyedepo is Nigeria’s wealthiest preacher. Ever
since he founded the Living Faith World Outreach Ministry in 1981, it has grown
to become one of Africa’s largest congregations. The Faith Tabernacle, where he
hosts three services every Sunday, is Africa’s largest worship center, with a
seating capacity of 50,000. Oyedepo owns four private jets and homes in London
and the United States. He also owns Dominion Publishing House, a thriving
publishing company that publishes all his books (which are often centered on
prosperity). He founded and owns Covenant University, one of Nigeria’s leading
tertiary institutions, and Faith Academy, an elite high school.
 |
| Chris Oyakhilome |
2. Chris
Oyakhilome
Church: Believers’ Loveworld Ministries, a.k.a Christ
Embassy
Estimated net worth: $30 million – $50 million
Last year, the charismatic preacher was at the center of
a $35 million money laundering case in which he was accused of siphoning funds
from his church to foreign banks. Pastor Chris pleaded no wrongdoing and the
case was eventually dismissed. His church, Christ Embassy, boasts more than
40,000 members, several of whom are successful business executives and
politicians. Oyakhilome’s diversified interests include newspapers, magazines,
a local television station, a record label, satellite TV, hotels and extensive
real estate. His Loveworld TV Network is the first Christian network to
broadcast from Africa to the rest of the world on a 24 hour basis.
 |
| Temitope Joshua |
3. Temitope Joshua
Church: Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN)
Estimated net worth: $10 million – $15 million
Nigeria’s most controversial clergyman is also one of its
richest and most philanthropic. T.B Joshua heads the Synagogue Church of all
Nations (SCOAN), a congregation he founded in 1987, which accommodates over
15,000 worshippers on Sundays. The Pastor has remained controversial for
several years for his inexplicable powers to heal all sorts of incurable
diseases, including HIV/AIDS, cancer and paralysis. For miracle-craving
worshippers, it’s the perfect seduction. The church currently has branches in
Ghana, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Greece. In the past three years,
he has given over $20 million to causes in education, healthcare and
rehabilitation programs for former Niger Delta militants. He owns Emmanuel TV,
a Christian television network, and is close friends with Ghanaian President
Atta Mills.
 |
| Matthew Ashimolowo |
4. Matthew
Ashimolowo
Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC)
Estimated net worth: $6 million – $10 million
In 1992, Foursquare Gospel Church, a Nigerian church,
sent Ashimolowo to open a satellite branch in London. But Pastor Matthew had
other ideas and decided to set up his own church instead. Today, his Kingsway
International Christian Center is reportedly the largest Pentecostal church in
the United Kingdom. In 2009, the church posted profits of close to $10 million
and assets worth $40 million. Ashimolowo earns an annual salary of $200,000,
but his real wealth comes from varied business interests including his media
company, Matthew Ashimolowo media, which churns out Christian literature and
documentaries. Ashimolowo’s representatives did not respond to a request
confirming his net worth and ownership of all these assets.
 |
| Chris Okotie |
5. Chris Okotie
Church: Household of God Church
Net worth: $3 million -$10 million
Pastor Okotie made his first success as a popular pop
musician in the 80s. He found the light, embraced the bible and set up the
Household of God Church, one of Nigeria’s most flamboyant congregations. His
5,000 member church consists predominantly of Nollywood celebrities, musicians,
and society people. He contested and lost Nigerian presidential elections for
the third time this year under the Fresh Party, a political party he founded
and funds. An automobile lover, he owns a Mercedes S600, Hummer and Porsche
among several others.
Sources: DailyPost/Forbes to Improve Memory
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