As the Federal Government of Nigeria is planning to levy
tax on Nigerian Pastors and churches, Forbes recently published the list of the
richest pastors in Africa and Nigeria
Pastors top the list. The pastors are affluent in all ways ranging from their
clothing, lifestyle, exotic cars, private jet and money in the bank. I know we
all have different perspectives to the wealth accumulation of these pastors or
why they are wealthy especially if you belong to any of the churches of these
pastors. Whatever your perspectives and believe about them, below are the 5
Wealthiest Pastors in Africa as identified by
Forbes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.