Chris Oyakhilome, Ayo Oritsejafor, Biodun Fatoyinbo… We present the top 10 pastors from 2013!

by Eromo Egbejule

Ayo-Oritsejafor

Who are we to judge? From flashy ministers to the massively entrepreneurial, those rocked by scandal to those who continue to inspire – these are the 10 most influential Nigerian pastors in the past year.

Chris Okotie

Always a popstar. The flamboyant and charismatic preacher who is renowned for using jaw-breaking words has contested twice for the presidency and unsurprisingly lost twice. On the home front, he may be twice-divorced but his account is still steady. Only a few weeks ago, gossip hound, Linda Ikeji reported his purchase of a N33m Range Rover Autobiography and a Rolls Royce Coupe, the 2014 Bespoke Edition, worth N120m. Enough said.

Sam Adeyemi
Suave and soft-spoken, Pastor Adeyemi of DayStar Christian Centre is to his congregation what a shepherd is to his flock. A success coach, his books have sold in the thousands. His DayStar Leadership Academy and Excellence in Leadership Conference continue to set the standard.

Pastor D.K. Olukoya
The former mathematics professor is the head of head-bopping Mountain of Fire and presides over his mammoth congregation with branches all over Nigeria. His wealth isn’t exactly known due to the frugal image of him and his church but he is very ‘comfortable’. From the church’s new university, to the campaign against Lagos peer parlous, through the church’s battle with teh Enugu governor, and expansion across the world, this is a man the world pays attention to.

Paul Adefarasin
Take a drive to Lekki and peep the massive edifice that is the Rock Cathedral. Costing a princely N13bn, the 9,000-seater church was opened this year by President Goodluck Jonathan and former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Pastor Paul is well-respected among his peers and his aura is convincing and blinding even. The largest Christian concert every year, The Experience, is organized by his House on the Rock church.

David Oyedepo
Reports often put him as the wealthiest preacher in Nigeria with an estimated worth of $150 million and properties in the United States and United Kingdom too. He is the founder of popular private university, Covenant University which charges some of the highest fees around. Other parts of his empire include Dominion Publishing House, a publishing company and Faith Academy, an elite high school. His controversial ‘witchslap’ during an exorcism, made the newsrounds a couple of years ago. But, more importantly, Oyedepo inspires many by the sheer breath of his vision.

Enoch Adeboye
Probably the most respected on this list, Pastor Adeboye has been the head of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), for the last 28years. His wealth is hardly talked about or flaunted like the rest but he reportedly has a private jet too and the ear of the president. The go-to man for Nigerian leaders seeking redemption and validation, he also founded a university a few years ago, the thriving Redeemers’ University. Every year is his year.

Chris Oyakhilome
A few years ago, the Reverend Chris Oyakhilome was the hottest thing in town, but time and the ban on certain of his TV programming that made him a nationwide hit have caused the tide to turn. But his Believer’s Love World aka Christ Embassy is worth an estimated net worth of $50 million. Sometime last year, he was being investigated in a $35 million money laundering case in which he was accused of siphoning funds from his church to foreign banks. But that doesn’t stop his influence – or the intensity of his following. His empire comprises a local television station, a record label, satellite TV, hotels and extensive real estate.

TB Joshua
Controversial Temitope Balogun Joshua is a close friend and confidant of several African heads of state and his healing miracles and prophecies have made his Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) a hub for miracle tourists from all over the globe. He feeds thousands of indigent followers every Sunday, and that has endeared him to a lot more. He is another of Nigeria’s wealthiest clergymen, with an estimated net worth of $10 million. And we thank him for delivering Jim Iyke of his demons.

Biodun Fatoyinbo
On a different level of grace (sorry, we couldn’t resist), the eloquent and devilishly handsome Abuja-based pastor of ever-growing Commonwealth of Zion (COZA) church is still one of the richest in this country, regardless of that scandal with the outspoken Ese Walters. He dashes in and out of Nigeria just as easily as water drips down a faucet with little or no fuss. The ladies love him and his church members are the high and mighty in Abuja. All of this while we await his robust reply.

Ayo Oritsejafor
Official head of all Christians in Nigeria, this flamboyant preacher hails from and is based in the oil-rich city of Warri in the Niger Delta. He owns a fleet of cars and a private jet purchased for him last year by some members of his church – Word Of Life Bible Church. Fondly called “Papa Ayo” by his church faithful, he is a tough talker and is known for his blunt and controversial statements. He is seen as President Goodluck Jonathan’s right-hand man and co-conspirator but is nevertheless still respected by a large section of the Christian faith.

Who were your top 10 pastors – and why? Share your list!

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