Who are the richest pastors in Nigeria? How much are they worth? How did they generate immense wealth? These are some of the questions many people are curious about and If you are too, then you should continue reading this article. The prosperity of these spiritual leaders might surprise you.

Nigeria is one of the world’s most religious countries with 98% of its populace identifying as either Christian (46.9%) or Muslim (51.1%). The remaining 2% encompass a diverse range, from atheists to adherents of traditional beliefs.

In this spiritual landscape, pastors hold a revered position, serving as guides, mentors, and spiritual leaders to millions. Yet, in recent times, the role of a pastor has become a subject of intense scrutiny, especially regarding their amassed wealth.

Critics argue that in a nation grappling with economic inequality, the vast fortunes amassed by these religious figures seem incongruous with the teachings of humility and simplicity often associated with Christianity. Some others argue that the role of a pastor is fast becoming a lucrative ‘business’ in Nigeria.

Without further ado, let’s explore the top 10 richest pastors in Nigeria in 2024, how much they are worth, the source of the wealth, and the controversies that surround their opulent lifestyles.

1. David Oyedepo

• Net Worth: $150 million
• Date of Birth: 27 September 1954
• Church: Living Faith Church Worldwide
• Other Sources of Income: Donations, Education, and Book Publishing

Bishop David Oyedepo is the richest Pastor in Nigeria in 2024, with an estimated net worth of $150 million. He is also the richest pastor in Africa and the second-richest pastor in the world.

David Oyedepo exudes wealth and he’s not afraid to brag about it. Sometime in September 2023, the man of God bragged about how he changed private jets like bicycles while teaching the importance of tithing.

Raised in a family with mixed religious backgrounds, Oyedepo’s early exposure to both Muslim and Christian beliefs had a significant impact on his spiritual development. His grandmother, who raised him, instilled in him the values of Christian life. However, his conversion to Christianity occurred in 1969, thanks to the influence of his teacher, Betty Lasher.

He initially worked with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin but later felt a calling to dedicate his life to missionary work. This led to the founding of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (also known as Winners’ Chapel International) in 1981. The church has since grown into a vast network, spreading to numerous cities across 147 countries of the world.

Apart from his role as a pastor, Oyedepo is actively involved in education and book publishing. He is the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University and oversees Dominion Publishing House, which has published over 70 Christian, inspirational, and motivational books.

2. Enoch Adeboye

• Net Worth: $110 million
• Date of Birth: 2 March 1943
• Church: The Redeemed Christian Church
• Other Sources of Income: Donations and Book Publishing

Pastor EA Adeboye, the  General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye is one of the most influential pastors in Nigeria who emerged from humble beginnings. He is popularly known for his laid-back pulpit life and humility.

Adeboye’s spiritual journey led him to the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1973, where he initially served as an interpreter. He was ordained as a pastor in 1975 by Pa. Josiah Akindayomi. By 1981, he had become the General Overseer of the church.

Under his leadership, the church experienced unprecedented growth, expanding to approximately 198 nations with over 14 million worshippers in Nigeria alone. His vision was to establish churches within easy reach of urban dwellers, a goal he actively pursued.

Known for preaching the prosperity gospel, Adeboye emphasizes the tangible blessings that can be obtained in the present, not just in the afterlife. This perspective contributed to the rapid expansion and influence of his ministry.

Despite legislation limiting non-profit leadership tenure, Adeboye continues to serve as the General Overseer of RCCG Worldwide, defying age and service restrictions. He has received numerous accolades, including being recognized as one of the 50 most powerful people in the world by Newsweek in 2008.

With an estimated net worth of $110 million, Pastor Adeboye sits comfortably in second place among the richest pastors in Nigeria for the year 2024.

While a significant portion of his income is derived from his role as the General Overseer, he has also authored numerous books, including the popular “Open Heavens Daily Devotional.”

3. Chris Oyakhilome

• Net Worth: $50 million
• Date of Birth: 7 December 1963
• Church: Christ Embassy
• Other Sources of Income: Donations and Book Sales

Chris Oyakhilome is a prominent Christian leader known for founding the Mega Church Christ Embassy and authoring the widely-read daily devotional, Rhapsody of Realities. His ministry has seen remarkable growth and impact, with over 13 million members all over the world.

Oyakhilome’s journey began during his university years at Ambrose Alli University, where he founded Youth For Christ, which later evolved into Believers Loveworld (BLW), becoming the largest fellowship in the university. After graduating in 1987, he established a church in Benin City, before moving to Lagos in 1989 to establish Christ Embassy.

Notably, he organized the “Good Friday Miracle Night” in 2006, drawing a staggering 3.5 million attendees. This became Nigeria’s biggest single-night event of all time. Oyakhilome also spearheaded the creation of the first Christian-based television network originating from Africa.

Apart from his extensive ministry work, Oyakhilome is recognized for his philanthropic endeavors through the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, which focuses on aiding orphaned and indigent children in inner cities across multiple countries. His foundation also provides relief during disasters and partners with government organizations to enhance social welfare.

In terms of wealth, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is estimated to be worth $50 million, making him the third richest pastor in Nigeria. His sources of income are primarily from donations, book sales, and the various arms of his ministry.

However, Oyakhilome’s wealth and teachings have not been without controversy. He has faced criticism for promoting faith healing as a remedy for HIV/AIDS. Additionally, he has been accused of preaching the prosperity gospel, asserting that financial contributions to his ministry will result in material blessings and improved health.

4. David Ibiyeomie

• Net Worth: $41 million
• Date of Birth: 21 October 1962
• Church: Salvation Ministries
• Other Sources of Income: Donations and Online Media

David Ibiyeomie is a prominent Nigerian televangelist and the founder of Salvation Ministries. His journey in ministry began after completing Bible School training at Bishop David Oyedepo’s Word of Faith Bible Institute.

He initiated a house fellowship in Victoria Island, Lagos, before relocating to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he officially established Salvation Ministries on April 13, 1997, with about twenty members.

Over the years, Ibiyeomie’s ministry has experienced remarkable growth. By 2017, Salvation Ministries was drawing an average of about 50,000 attendees every Sunday at its headquarters.

In February 2011, the ministry launched 14 satellite churches in a single day, all running five services each. Through platforms like the Hour of Salvation TV program and live services, David Ibiyeomie has been able to connect with millions of worshippers.

His television ministry which started on an NTA channel in Port Harcourt in 2001 now airs on over 40 television stations both locally and internationally. He is also an accomplished author and hosts an internet radio show.

With a reported net worth of $41 million, David Ibiyeomie takes 4th place among the richest pastors in Nigeria in 2024. His wealth primarily stems from contributions and tithes from his large congregation, as well as income generated from his extensive media presence and various church-related ventures.

5. Ayodele Oritsejafor

• Net Worth: $32 million
• Date of Birth: 10 November
• Church: Word of Life Bible Church
• Other Sources of Income: Donations and Book Sales

Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor is a prominent figure in the Nigerian religious landscape.

His journey into ministry began in 1972 when he had a transformative experience at an evangelical crusade in Sapele, Nigeria. He then pursued theological education both in Nigeria and the United States.

In November 1987, he founded the Word of Life Bible Church, a milestone that marked the beginning of his influential ministry. In the same year, he launched a Miracle crusade broadcasted globally via satellite in 1987, a groundbreaking event in the history of evangelism.

Papa Ayo Oritsejafor’s impact extended beyond the pulpit. He became a key figure in Nigerian Christianity, serving as the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and later as the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), a position he held for several years. This made him the first Pentecostal leader to attain such a prestigious role.

Financially, Oritsejafor’s net worth is estimated at $32 million, primarily sourced from his ministry, donations, and book sales.

While his wealth has enabled him to engage in philanthropic activities like scholarships and empowerment programmes, questions have been raised about the transparency and utilization of funds within his ministry.

6. Sam Adeyemi

• Net Worth: $30 million
• Date of Birth: 3 February 1967
• Church: Daystar Christian Centre
• Other Sources of Income: Donations, Book Sales, Leadership Consultancy, and Public Speaking.

Pastor Sam Adeyemi is a popular religious leader in Nigeria, known for his dynamic approach to spirituality and motivational speaking.

Adeyemi’s journey in pastoral ministry began at Rhema Chapel, where he served as the Director of Pastoral Care. He later felt called to establish his own ministry, leading to the creation of Success Power International and the Daystar Christian Centre on November 18, 1995.

While Success Power International empowers individuals to realize and maximize their potential, the Daystar Christian Centre serves as a platform for teaching biblical success principles.

In addition to his pastoral work, Sam Adeyemi has diversified his income streams. He is a successful author, leadership consultant, and public speaker.

As of the time of this report, Sam Adeyemi boasts an estimated net worth of $30 million.

7. Johnson Suleiman

• Net Worth: $25 million
• Date of Birth: 24 March 1971
• Church: Omega Fire Ministries International
• Other Sources of Income: Donations

Apostle Johnson Suleiman is a Nigerian televangelist, the senior pastor, and the general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International.

His journey into ministry began as an assistant pastor at the Armor of God Church in Lagos in 1998, before he took the bold step to establish Omega Fire Ministries in 2004.

Notably, Suleman’s life took an extraordinary turn when, at the age of 19, he became a millionaire while still in school. This was attributed to his job of transporting cocoa from his home state to the northern regions of Nigeria.

As of 2024, Johnson Suleman is estimated to have a net worth of $25 million, which puts him on the list as the 7th richest pastor in Nigeria in 2024.

8. Matthew Ashinmolowo

• Net Worth: $20 million
• Date of Birth: 17 March 1952
• Church: Kingsway International Christian Center
• Other Sources of Income: Donations and Book Sales

Matthew Ashimolowo is a prominent Nigerian clergyman known for being the senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC). He is considered a preacher of the prosperity gospel.

His journey into ministry began at the age of 22 when he converted from Islam to Christianity, eventually enrolling in a Bible school.

In 1992, Ashimolowo founded the Kingsway International Christian Centre in the UK, which has since grown to become the largest Nigerian Pentecostal church in London. The church has also established a significant presence in Nigeria and various other countries around the world.

Matthew Ashimolowo has an estimated net worth of $20 million.

He owns a private jet and operates a Media and Publication Company, which publishes much of his prosperity-based literature under the banner of “Matthew Ashimolowo Media.”

9. Biodun Fatoyinbo

• Net Worth: $16 million
• Date of Birth: 1 January 1976
• Church: Commonwealth Of Zion Assembly
• Other Sources of Income: Donations

Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo is the youngest of the top 10 richest pastors in Nigeria.

Fatoyinbo founded COZA in 1999 at the young age of twenty-three, with the help of his wife, Modele. Together, they have grown the ministry to a congregation of thousands and have five branches (nicknamed Campuses) in big cities in Africa and Asia.

Fatoyinbo’s ministry has gained recognition not only for his inspirational sermons but also for his distinctive fashion sense, earning him the moniker “Gucci Pastor” in some circles.

Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo has an estimated net worth of $16 million.

10. William Kumuyi

• Net Worth: $10 million
• Date of Birth: 6 June 1941
• Church: Deeper Christian Life Ministry
• Other Sources of Income: Donations and Book Sales.

Founder of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi

Rounding off the list is Pastor Kumuyi, also known as the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.

Kumuyi was born into a Christian family and maintained a strong connection with the church throughout his early years. His foray into Christian ministry began in 1973 when he started a Bible study group with 15 students. This Bible study group laid the foundation for the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.

Over time, the ministry expanded, and by 1982, it became known as the Deeper Life Bible Church. It has since grown significantly, with over 800,000 affiliates reported as of 2005.

While Kumuyi’s wealth is not as extravagant as some other pastors, such as those known for their opulent lifestyles and private jets, he has not been without controversy. His ministry has faced criticism over excessive control over the lives of his followers.

Nonetheless, he continues to be a respected and influential figure in the Nigerian Christian community.

With a net worth of $10 million, Pastor Kumuyi is ranked 10th among the wealthiest pastors in Nigeria in 2024.

Kumuyi’s source of wealth primarily stems from his ministry work, including donations from his congregation and book sales.

Key Takeaways

• Nigeria is a highly religious country, with 98% of the population identifying as either Christian or Muslim.
• Bishop David Oyedepo is the richest pastor in Nigeria, worth an estimated $150 million. He’s also the richest pastor in Africa and the second-richest globally.
• Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo is the youngest in the top 10, he’s worth around $16 million and is the founder of the Commonwealth Of Zion Assembly (COZA).
• The richest pastors in Nigeria acquire their wealth primarily through donations from their congregations, book sales, and other investments.
• Pastor Kumuyi graduated as the overall best student with a first-class honours degree in mathematics from the University of Ibadan.
• Synagogue Church receives more visitors than Buckingham Palace and the London Tower combined.
• Churches don’t pay tax in Nigeria.

Top 10 Richest Pastors in Nigeria [2024]

The table below contains the names of the top 10 richest pastors in Nigeria, their net worth, and the respective churches they head.

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