The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Living Faith Church Worldwide and the Deeper Christian Life Ministry have reacted to an allegation that former President Olusegun Obasanjo allocated oil wells to their leaders during his administration.

The allegation was made by the founder and President of the Ministers’ Prayer Network, Rev. Mosy Madugba, who claimed that Obasanjo allocated oil wells to prominent Nigerian pastors, including the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo; and the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi.

The claim, contained in a sermon circulating on social media, has generated controversy, with some Nigerians questioning the integrity of the religious leaders and others demanding evidence to substantiate the allegations.

In the video, Madugba alleged that some prominent pastors in Lagos benefited from oil wells allocated to them by Obasanjo during his presidency

He said, “I don’t know whether you know that the big names you have in Lagos have oil wells. Obasanjo gave them oil wells. The head of Winners’ Chapel has an oil well, Adeboye has an oil well, Kumuyi has an oil well. They have universities, they have big hospitals. They have schools, and except Kumuyi, they have private jets.”

However, a senior media aide to Pastor Kumuyi, who spoke on condition of anonymity to Sunday PUNCH, dismissed the claim as ridiculous, insisting that the cleric had no interest in such business ventures.

The official said Kumuyi should not be associated with oil exploration or similar business interests, stressing that the cleric was wholly devoted to preaching the gospel and winning souls.

Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi

He said, “Let us be frank, does Pastor Kumuyi look like somebody that will be interested in an oil well? Does he look like someone who would toy with such things? Pastor Kumuyi is devoted to the core; he is devoted to the work of God that he is being called into.

“So, the fact that somebody mentioned somewhere that Obasanjo gave him an oil well is ridiculous; we don’t get involved in those things. Our focus is the gospel, how to win souls for the kingdom of God and prepare for heaven; therefore, this is not the kind of thing that he would get involved in.”

Similarly, the Director of Media at Living Faith Church Worldwide, Patrick Nkamiang, dismissed the allegations, arguing that oil wells were not the personal property of a president to be distributed arbitrarily to individuals.

He questioned the basis of Madugba’s claims, noting that Nigeria’s petroleum resources were governed by laws and regulations.

Nkamiang said, “Oil wells are not that cheap to give away, nor are they the personal property of the President that he can just give to anybody.

“Even if oil wells were that cheap as of the time that he said that they were giving out oil wells, what’s the value of an oil well then? Oil wells do not even belong to Obasanjo, for him to be sharing? They are natural resources that are governed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria. You cannot just give them away as you like.”

Nkamiang maintained that Oyedepo had a zero-tolerance policy towards gifts and donations that could not be traced to legitimate personal or internally generated income.

Bishop David Oyedepo. Oyedepo betting

He, however, ruled out the possibility of the church taking legal action against Madugba, saying it would rather leave the matter to God.

Also reacting, an official in the media unit of the RCCG, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the church would not respond to the allegation until Madugba provided evidence to substantiate his claims.

When Sunday PUNCH contacted Madugba’s church for a response, an official identified as Blessing Madugba, said, “We will get back to you.”

Efforts to obtain Obasanjo’s reaction through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, were unsuccessful, as he neither answered calls nor responded to messages sent to him as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the allegations have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users expressing concern about their implications for the credibility and independence of religious leaders.

Other users challenged Madugba to provide verifiable details of the alleged oil wells, arguing that such assets could not easily be concealed.

No documentary evidence establishing that Obasanjo allocated oil wells to the three pastors was presented in the circulating video.

Source: punchng.com

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

WHATSAPP CHANNEL

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has asserted that the Alaafin occupies the foremost position among traditional rulers in Yorubaland, citing the historical influence of the old Oyo Empire on Yoruba civilisation.

The monarch made the declaration during an interview with Edmund Obilo on State Affairs, in which he maintained that his position was based on historical records rather than on a desire to compete with other traditional rulers.

Asked whether he considered himself the supreme king in Yorubaland, Owoade said, “Historically, yes. If you want to go by history and the contribution of Oyo to Yoruba civilisation, then I would say that the Alaafin is number one.”

His comments come amid past disagreements over traditional hierarchy and supremacy among prominent Yoruba monarchs.

In 2025, the Alaafin was involved in a dispute with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, over the status and precedence of traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

WHATSAPP CHANNEL

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

The Military Pensions Board (MPB) has honoured a 98-year-old retired Warrant Officer, Echenim Ewemiwe, during a special birthday celebration at Ute-Erumu, near Agbor, in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The gesture, led by the Chairman of the Board, Major General JE Osifo, was aimed at celebrating the veteran’s life, recognising his contributions to the Nigerian military and appreciating his years of service to the nation.

The delegation included Navy Commodore Galadima Ciroma, Director of Navy Pensions; Squadron Leader Aliyu Muhammed; and Captain Robertson Akpojovwo, Chairman of the Delta State.

The celebration featured cultural performances, traditional dances and the participation of family members, friends and well-wishers who gathered to honour the veteran and celebrate his legacy.

Speaking at the event, Major General Osifo acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of military veterans across the country and reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to their welfare and well-being.

He emphasised that the welfare of retired military personnel remained a priority for the Board, stressing the importance of recognising and appreciating veterans for their sacrifices and dedicated service to the nation.

Other dignitaries at the occasion included the traditional ruler, the Aruwe of Ute-Erumu, members of the clergy and community leaders.

In a vote of thanks, the family’s representative, retired Master Warrant Officer Chuks Echenim, expressed appreciation to the MPB Chairman for travelling to Delta State to celebrate with their father and honour him on his special day.

The visit highlights the Military Pensions Board’s efforts to recognise the contributions of military veterans beyond pension administration, while promoting their dignity, honouring their sacrifices and demonstrating continued support for those who served the nation.

Source: GOV.NG

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

WHATSAPP CHANNEL

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM