The Lord never forsakes his own; these men have dedicated their lives to serve God. Preaching the gospel, winning souls for Christ, healing the sick, helping the less privileged amongst other things.
In 2011, published a list of the top five richest pastors in Nigeria. Leading the list is Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith World Outreach Ministries AKA Winner’s Chapel with an estimated worth of $150 million.
Forbes also included Chris Okotie, Matthew Ashimolowo, and controversial pastors like Chris Oyakhilome and TB Joshua.
Upgrading the 2011 list, Pulse Nigeria has added 5 more worthy wealthy pastors to the 2011 list. The names on the list was judged based on their investments, lifestyle, and popularity of the church.
This list includes the names of nine Pentecostal churches pastors and one catholic priest.
Pulse.ng in lists 10 richest pastors in Nigeria
1. Bishop David Oyedepo
David Oyedepo is the founder and presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church also known as Winner’s Chapel. According to a report by Forbes in 2011, Oyedepo is worth about $150 million.
Oyedepo owns two Universities (Covenant University, Ogun state and Landmark University, Kwara state), ‘alleged’ to have four private jets, a ‘Record breaking’ auditorium, Publishing house, an elite high school, and houses in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
2. Father Edeh
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel M.P. Edeh, popularly called Father Edeh is an Igbo Catholic Priest. With his several charity firms, and other investments, he is estimated to be worth within $80 million and $100 million.
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Edeh is the founder of the Centre for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation, he owns four tertiary institutions (Madonna University Nigeria, Caritas University, OSISATECH Polytechnic, OSISATECH College of Education), a microfinance bank, health institutions, museum, production company amongst other things.
3. Chris Oyakhilome
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of the believers love world also known as Christ Embassy.
In 2011. Forbes estimated Oyakhilome wealth to be within $30 million and $50, he owns several hotels, a satellite TV, local television station, three Christian Television channels (, LoveWorld and ) printing company (including Newspapers and magazines), real estates, an Healing school, a social networking website called and a smartphone messenger called
Read: Chris Oyakhilome estranged wife completes divorce process, pulls out of church
4. TB Joshua
Temitope Balogun Joshua, leader and founder of the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), Forbes estimated the pastor’s wealth to be within $10 million to $15 million.
In 2008, The Nigerian Government awarded him with the ‘Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic’ award for his charitable works. He owns the Emmanuel TV, a Christian television network.
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The church currently has branches in Ghana, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Greece.
5. Matthew Ashimolowo
Matthew Ashimolowo is the senior pastor of the Kingsway International Christian Centre.
Forbes, in 2011 estimated Ashimolowo's net worth is at between $6-10 million. Majority of his wealth is said to be from his Media Company (Matthew Ashimolowo media) and sales from his Christian literature books and documentaries.
Read: Matthew Ashimolowo gifts 5000 widows with N1000 each, clothes
He reportedly earns £100,000 annually.
6. Chris Okotie
Chris Okotie is a Nigerian televangelist, politician and pastor of the Household of God Church International Ministries.
In 2011, Okotie was listed among the five richest wealthy pastors in Nigeria. Forbes estimated his net worth to be within $3 million and $10 million.
7. Enoch Adejare Adeboye
Enoch Adejare Adeboyefoundly called Daddy GO is the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
The Redemption camp is reportedly worth over 200billion naira. The Redeemed church has a University (Redeemers University), high school, private jets, hospitals, a TV station, its printing press amongst other things.
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The church’s annual offerings and tithe from 10 million worshippers’ in its over 15,000 branches is reportedly about N201 billion naira.
8. Ayodele Oritsejafor
Ayodele Oritsejafor, founding and Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, located in Warri, Nigeria.
With investments in banking, real estate, transportation and the media sectors, he is reportedly worth over $120 million.
9. Bishop Mike Okonkwo
Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop of the Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM). Okonkwo is reportedly one of the pastors who own a private jet; he also has several investments in the real estate.
10. Lazarus Muoka
Lazarus Muoka is the founder of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Church. He is said to own several publishing companies, primary and secondary schools, real estates etc.