Oyedepo Runs ‘Hypnotising’ Business Empire – German Agency

MICHAEL AKINOLA with agency reports

Nigeria’s Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide has been accused of running a booming multi-billion Naira business empire, and “exploiting faiths” of army of his worshippers.

German’s public international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle (DW) made this claim in a report published on its website early this week.

According to the DW, Oyedepo, like many other pastors, preaches “hypnotizing” prosperity gospel to adoring tens of thousands of worshippers who obligingly empty their pockets afterwards.

“The prosperity gospel by David Oyedepo sounds hypnotizing. A crowd of 50,000 people is taking in every word…Many more listen to Oyedepo outside this megachurch, those who did not get a seat inside. They raise their hands towards the sky in devotion, in hopes their prayers will be heard. Oyedepo is just one of many pastors in Nigeria who promise positive change,” DW wrote.

Oyedepo’s church, fondly called Winners Chapel, has one of the largest congregations in the whole of Africa and Nigeria’s third biggest Pentecostal church.

But DW in the latest report titled; “Nigerian Pentecostal megachurches a booming business”, focused on how they have become wildly popular in the country and increasingly rich, as they run thriving businesses empires on the side with critics alleging that their founders are exploiting people’s faith.

The report narrowed down to Oyedepo’s multi-million dollar net worth and accused him of manipulating his trusting followers with his sermon.

“The pastor, who calls himself Bishop, knows what people in Nigeria need the most: stability and jobs. His net worth is estimated to be $150 million (€128 million). Many of his followers want to be like him. They yearn for prosperity in the country that has the highest number of people living in extreme poverty worldwide.

“Nigeria, instable as the violent campaign by jihadist militants Boko Haram has been raging for almost a decade, has experienced an economic recession in recent years. The government promises change, but the country is plagued by mismanagement and massive corruption. It was during this period that the number of Pentecostal churches began to increase. There are at least 500 in Nigeria, some of them with branches worldwide. Nigerians turn to faith as their trust in the government wanes.

According to DW correspondent who visited the Cannanland, Otta, Ogun State, headquarters of the church, friendly welcome teams usher thousands of worshippers. “Media are met with skepticism. So is our camera. A security person follows our every step. We still manage to witness a perfectly choreographed mass event. Inside the church, the crowd is rather reserved at first, but then the gospel music intensifies, reaching every corner inside the building and on the campus via megaphones. The crowd cannot stay seated when their pastor finally shows up. Oyedepo is celebrated like a star. It is in this moment of absolute devotion and ecstasy that huge yellow baskets are passed around to collect the offerings.

“Offerings are accepted outside the church, too. And the big donation baskets fill quickly. People believe that the more you give during and after the church service, the more your wealth will increase.

“After church, there are plenty of ways to spend more money. How about olive oil for $5 per bottle? In a country with a minimum wage of $50 per month, that is a small fortune. The vendor explains to me that this is very special oil because it is blessed. And (that) once you believe and use the oil, it cures sickness, it cures anything, people have been cured from HIV by using just this oil.”

In the report, DW described faith as a “commercial business”. But critics disapprove of this business practice.

“Each Pentecostal churches promises economic salvation, promises solutions. That comes with a price tag,” Francis Salako told DW.  “People’s faith is being exploited,” the Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Lagos added.

“Most of these pastors are not there to serve, they are there to enrich themselves, if you question some of their practices, they quote the Bible to support themselves and say Jesus was not poor,” Salako said.

Churches are not required to pay taxes. With the rise in extreme poverty, some politicians want to change that, which is highly unpopular among those who believe positive change is only possible through their faith — and not their government.

The Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) plans to expand and build a new church in Nigeria, with a rotating altar and capacity to seat 100,000 people.