20 Most Powerful Pastors in Nigeria

This article gathers a list of Pastors in Nigeria that are widely recognized and acclaimed to be powerful by their church members.

Read on below:

Enoch Adejare Adeboye 

Pastor Adeboye

He started as an interpreter for Pastor Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi. He was ordained a pastor of the church in 1977. He became General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1981.

The church, now has branches in about 196 nations including more than 14,000,000 sites in Nigeria. Pastor Adeboye has stated that his aim is to put a church within five minutes walking distance and five minutes driving distance in developed cities.

David Ibiyeomie

He is the founder and senior pastor of Salvation Ministries, with headquarters based in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He completed his Bible School training at Bishop David Oyedepo’s Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI), after which he started a house fellowship with his family in Lagos. He later relocated to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he started Salvation Ministries (Glorious Chapel) with just about twenty members in attendance. As at the year 2017, Salvation Ministries averages about 50,000 attendees every Sunday at its headquarters.

Lazarus Muoka

He is the founder and General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement often referred to as Chosen. The church which started with just a few pioneer members has grown to become one of the most popular churches in Nigeria

Daniel Kolawole Olukoya 

He is the founder and overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM). MFM is a Pentecostal denomination founded in Lagos, Nigeria in 1989. The church now has several branches in other countries. The church places emphasis on deliverance ministry and prayers against the works of demonic forces.

Taiwo Odukoya

He is the senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, located at Ilupeju, Lagos. The church has a membership strength of over 8,000 people. In 1992, he co-founded the church with his wife, Bimbo Odukoya where they teach people how to build successful relationships and leadership. On 10 December 2005, Bimbo Odukoya, died on the Sosoliso Plane crash.

William Folorunso Kumuyi

He is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry. He started with a Bible study group with 15 students in attendance. It was this training that became the foundation of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry. He was expelled from the Apostolic Faith Church for preaching on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He then went on with his ministry, which in 1982 became the Deeper Life Bible Church. As at 2005, his church was reported to have over 800,000 affiliates

Tunde Bakare

He is a pastor, Lawyer, and Activist. On the 1st of April, 1989, he founded The Latter Rain Assembly (End-Time Church). He is currently the overseer of the church. He also presides over Global Apostolic Impact Network (GAIN), a network of churches, ministries, and businesses.

Christopher Oghenebrorie Okotie

He is a Nigerian televangelist and the Overseer of the Household of God Church International Ministries, a Pentecostal church located in Lagos state. In 1990, Okotie established the annual Karis Awards, which is an event hosted by his church, to recognize and financially reward Nigerian citizens

Chris Oyakhilome

Pastor Chris is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, which is popularly referred to as Christ Embassy, based in Lagos State, Nigeria. He is the author of several books, including the popular Rhapsody of Realities, a devotional distributed in several countries. He also hosts several healing school sessions and conferences all around the world.

Joseph Ayo Babalola

He was the first General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, popularly known as CAC in Nigeria. He is also credited with being a healing minister. After the division that took place in The Apostolic Church, Babalola went with some other of his friends to form a new independent church called Christ Apostolic Church (CAC). He continued his healing and revivalist activities here until his death.

David O. Oyedepo

He is a Nigerian preacher and the founder of the and Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel International. He is also the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University.

Matthew Ashimolowo

He is the senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) with headquarters in London. He owns a media company and also sells Christian literature and documentaries.

Johnson Suleman

Joseph Suleiman is the senior pastor and general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International with headquarters in Auchi, Edo State. He started Omega Fire Ministries in 2004 after working as an assistant pastor in the Armor of God Church in Lagos state from 1998

Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor,

He is the founder and Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, located in Warri, Nigeria. In 2005, he became the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), a position he held for five years. In July 2010, Oritsejafor was elected President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Godman Akinlabi

He is the lead pastor of The Elevation Church. He started his pastoral ministry at Daystar Christian Centre, where he served in different capacities such as ushering pastor, teacher, preacher and director of pastoral care. In 2010, the senior pastor of Daystar Christian Church, Sam Adeyemi, commissioned The Elevation Church and Godman is its lead pastor.

Paul Adefarasin

He is the head of the House on the Rock churches with headquarters in Lagos state. He is also the host of The Experience (gospel concert).

Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche

He is the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre with headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. He built the world largest church auditorium with 100, 000-seater capacity.

Sam Adeyemi

Sam Adeyemi is the founder and Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos, Nigeria. Daystar is one of the largest churches in Lagos.

Tony Rapu

He is a life coach and the Senior Pastor of the House of Freedom.

Poju Oyemade

He is the Senior Pastor of Covenant Christian Centre in Lagos state. The church holds 4 services every Sunday morning, with two at eQIganmu, another at the Yaba and the last at the Covenant Chapel, Lekki.