The founder of Word Assembly Ministries, Evangelist Isaac Omolehin, has raised concerns over the wealth of pastors in Nigeria, noting that while five of the world’s richest pastors are Nigerians, none of the world’s richest churches is based in the country.
Omolehin made the comments in a now-trending video, citing a report released by the World Council of Churches on the state of the Nigerian church.
He said, “Out of the 10 richest pastors in the world, five of them are Nigerians. But out of the 10 richest churches in the world, there’s no Nigerian church listed. It’s worrisome.”
According to him, the richest church globally remains the Roman Catholic Church, despite the Pope not owning a private church.
Omolehin warned that many pastors in Nigeria appear more interested in personal wealth than building lasting church institutions.
He said, “Some of you may not be comfortable with these words, because you are preparing, praying, and fasting so that you will soon buy a private jet as a man of God. Please go ahead and buy it. But listen carefully: the richest church in the world is the Roman Catholic Church.”
Omolehin further narrated his recent experience preaching in a Catholic cathedral built about 200 years ago, stressing how the church maintains its structures and systems over time.
He also explained how the Vatican handles the Pope’s travels.
According to him, the Pope’s yearly itinerary is drawn up in January and handed to Alitalia, Italy’s national carrier, which manages his movements across countries such as the Philippines and the Caribbean.
