Nigeria’s religious landscape has produced some of the wealthiest spiritual leaders in Africa. These pastors have built impressive empires that extend far beyond the pulpit. They stretch to educational institutions, media networks, real estate, and publishing ventures. While their wealth often sparks debate, there’s no denying the massive influence these religious leaders wield across Nigeria and beyond.
From mega-churches with hundreds of thousands of worshippers to private universities and television networks broadcasting globally, these pastors have transformed their ministries into multimillion-dollar enterprises. Let’s explore Nigeria’s top 10 richest pastors, starting with those whose fortunes are still growing and working our way up to the wealthiest.
10. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo
Net Worth: $6-25 million (estimated $15 million) Ministry Age: 33 years (founded 1992)
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo isn’t your typical Nigerian pastor. He’s based in London, where he founded the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in 1992. Before his conversion, Ashimolowo was a Muslim, but his life took a dramatic turn when he embraced Christianity.
KICC has grown into the UK’s largest Pentecostal church, drawing around 15,000 worshippers. The church has expanded its reach with a Nigerian headquarters in Maryland, Lagos, connecting its ministry to its home country. Ashimolowo’s wealth primarily comes from his ministry operations, which reportedly pay him an annual salary of £100,000, as well as income from Matthew Ashimolowo Media Ministries.
However, his journey hasn’t been without controversy. In 2005, the UK Charity Commission investigated KICC and found “serious misconduct,” ordering Ashimolowo to repay £200,000 to the church. Despite this setback, he’s maintained his position as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest spiritual leaders. More recently, he appointed his son as KICC London’s resident pastor, signalling a generational transition in the ministry’s leadership.
9. Pastor Lazarus Muoka
Net Worth: $3-15 million (estimated $8 million) Ministry Age: 23 years (founded December 24, 2002)
Pastor Lazarus Muoka was born in Mgbidi, Imo State, into a Catholic family. Muoka moved to Lagos in 1975 and worked in various businesses before experiencing what he describes as divine dreams in 1994. These encounters prompted him to establish The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement on Christmas Eve 2002.
What started with just a handful of followers has exploded into a movement with over 500 branches worldwide. The church’s headquarters along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Ijesha, Lagos, accommodates over 70,000 worshippers in a single service. That’s impressive by any standard.
Muoka generates income through multiple channels. The church reportedly collects around ₦10 million weekly in offerings alone, while the publishing arm produces popular journals such as “The Time of Visitation,” which nets approximately ₦5 million per week. His audio and video department generates about ₦50 million monthly. The ministry has also diversified into business ventures, including Chosen Pure Water Ventures, which sells bottled water to worshippers, and the More Grace Computer Institute, valued at over ₦50 million.
The pastor’s wealth includes a ₦2 billion estate and cathedral in Abuja, along with properties in London, the USA, and South Africa. Despite his success, Muoka maintains a relatively modest public profile compared to some of his flashier contemporaries.
8. Apostle Johnson Suleman
Net Worth: $10-25 million (estimated $10.5 million) Ministry Age: 20 years (founded 2004)
Apostle Johnson Suleman, born March 24, 1971, has packed a lot into his relatively young ministry. Like Ashimolowo and Okotie, Suleman is a former Muslim who converted to Christianity. He founded Omega Fire Ministries International in 2004, and the church has since expanded to over 52 countries.
He’s the CEO of Hossana Oil and Gas, a venture that significantly contributes to his wealth. His church operations span multiple continents, supported by Celebration TV, a 24-hour Christian channel that broadcasts his messages worldwide.
He owns a mansion in Auchi, Edo State, valued at over ₦400 million, and maintains an impressive fleet of luxury vehicles. However, his public profile has been marked by controversy, with multiple allegations regarding personal conduct following him throughout his ministry.
Despite having only 20 years in ministry, Suleman has built a formidable empire. His success shows that in Nigeria, you don’t need decades to accumulate significant wealth if you’ve got the right mix of charisma and strategic expansion.
7. Dr Paul Enenche
Net Worth: $5-20 million (estimated $15-20 million) Ministry Age: 29 years (founded 1996)
Dr Paul Enenche is a blend of medicine and ministry. Born June 4, 1968, in Otukpo, Benue State, Enenche graduated from the University of Jos as a trained medical doctor. He was working in the medical field when he felt called to full-time ministry after a three-day fast on a mountain outside Jos in 1996.
Together with his wife, Dr Becky Enenche (also a medical doctor), he founded Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja. The church’s name, derived from the Greek word for “power,” perfectly captures Enenche’s emphasis on God’s miraculous power. The ministry has grown exponentially, now holding five services every Sunday and two on Wednesdays.
The crowning achievement of his ministry is the Glory Dome, a stunning 100,000-seat auditorium completed in 2018 along Airport Road in Abuja. It’s one of the largest church auditoriums in the world.
Enenche generates wealth through multiple streams. Dunamis TV broadcasts across Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the USA, reaching millions of viewers. He’s authored over 10 books, including “21 Foolish Things People Do,” “Financial Wisdom,” and “The Price of Greatness,” which sell globally. As a talented musician, he’s released numerous gospel albums that resonate with worshippers worldwide. The ministry also operates Dunamis International Schools.
His luxury car collection includes a Lexus LX 570, Mercedes SLR McLaren, and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. At 57, with nearly three decades in ministry, Enenche’s influence continues to grow, particularly through his focus on miraculous healing and deliverance.
6. Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi
Net Worth: $10-50 million Ministry Age: 52 years (started 1973)
Pastor William Kumuyi, born June 6, 1941, is an old-school Nigerian minister. At 83, he’s one of the most established spiritual leaders in the country. A former mathematics lecturer with first-class honours from the University of Ibadan, Kumuyi brings intellectual rigour to his preaching.
His journey into ministry began humbly in 1973 with a Bible study group of just 15 students at the University of Lagos. This small gathering eventually became Deeper Life Bible Church in 1982, which has grown into one of Nigeria’s most respected denominations with over 800,000 affiliates and 120,000 Sunday attendees at the headquarters alone.
Kumuyi’s wealth comes from various sources. The church operates Anchor University in Lagos, contributing significantly to its financial portfolio. His publication “Daily Manna” has a massive readership across Nigeria and beyond. The Global Crusade with Kumuyi, launched in 2021, has reached over 5 million physical attendees, further expanding the ministry’s reach and revenue.
What’s particularly notable about Kumuyi is his relatively conservative lifestyle compared to some of his peers. He doesn’t flaunt luxury cars or private jets, maintaining a more modest public image. Despite this, his ministry’s extensive operations and educational ventures have made him one of Nigeria’s wealthiest pastors.
In January 2025, Kumuyi received a significant honour when Donald Trump invited him to attend the presidential inauguration, a testament to his global influence and respect in Christian circles.
5. Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor
Net Worth: $15-35 million (estimated $32 million) Ministry Age: 45+ years (founded 1979)
Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor, born November 10, 1949, has worn many hats throughout his extensive ministry career. He founded Word of Life Bible Church in Warri in 1979, becoming born-again in 1972 after graduating from All Nations For Christ Bible Institute in Benin City.
Oritsejafor’s influence extends well beyond his church walls. He served as President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from 2010 to 2015, becoming the first Pentecostal leader to hold this prestigious position. This role gave him significant political clout, making him one of Nigeria’s most influential religious figures during his tenure.
His wealth derives from multiple sources. The church boasts a 35,000-seat auditorium in Warri that hosts thousands of worshippers each week. He founded the African Broadcasting Network (ABN), a satellite television channel that broadcasts Christian programming across Africa. His real estate portfolio includes extensive properties in Delta State and Lagos, valued at millions of dollars.
However, Oritsejafor’s ministry has been marked by controversy. In 2014, his Bombardier Challenger 601 private jet (valued at $3.5 million) was seized in South Africa, carrying $9.3 million in undeclared cash, sparking a major scandal. Despite this incident, he’s maintained his position as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest pastors.
His humanitarian efforts alongside his wife have touched many lives. Still, it’s his strategic media investments that have built his substantial fortune over more than four decades in ministry.
4. Pastor David Ibiyeomie
Net Worth: $41-50 million Ministry Age: 27 years (founded 1997)
Pastor David Ibiyeomie, born on October 21, 1962, is a new-generation prosperity gospel preacher. He founded Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt in 1997 after training under Bishop David Oyedepo at the Word of Faith Bible Institute. This mentorship under one of Africa’s richest pastors clearly influenced his approach to ministry and wealth accumulation.
What’s remarkable about Ibiyeomie is the speed at which he’s built his fortune. With just 27 years in ministry, he’s already secured a spot among Nigeria’s top five wealthiest pastors. That’s rapid wealth accumulation by any measure.
His church has grown to over 100,000 regular worshippers at the headquarters, with 1,000+ satellite churches globally. The “Hour of Salvation” television programme broadcasts on over 40 stations, including Daystar USA and GodTV UK, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
The scale of Ibiyeomie’s ambition is evident in his infrastructure projects. He’s constructed a massive 120,000-seat “Hand of God Cathedral” that reportedly cost around ₦5 billion. This auditorium ranks among the most significant church buildings in Africa. He’s also building Pace-Setters University and operates Chockhmah International Academy, diversifying into education, as many of Nigeria’s wealthiest pastors do.
His ministry’s focus on prosperity teaching, combined with strategic media investments and educational ventures, has made him one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising religious billionaires.
3. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
Net Worth: $50-150 million (estimated $50-100 million) Ministry Age: 38 years (founded 1987)
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, born December 7, 1963, has built one of Nigeria’s most globally recognised ministries. He founded Christ Embassy (also known as Believers’ LoveWorld) in 1987 while studying architecture at Ambrose Alli University. His ministry has since exploded into a global phenomenon with an estimated 13-200 million followers across 145+ branches on five continents.
What sets Oyakhilome apart is his media empire. His devotional “Rhapsody of Realities” has been translated into an astonishing 8,123 languages and has circulated over 3.6 billion copies in 20 years. It’s claimed to be the world’s most translated book after the Bible, which is an extraordinary achievement by any standard.
The LoveWorld TV Network spans seven channels broadcasting globally, including LoveWorld USA, launched in partnership with American televangelist Benny Hinn.
His ministry has also ventured into technology, developing the KingsChat messenger, the Yookos social network, and even the Espee digital currency.
With 38 years in ministry, Oyakhilome has proven himself not just a preacher but a savvy businessman who understands the power of media and technology in spreading both the gospel and his financial reach.
2. Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye
Net Worth: $65-130 million (estimated $65-110 million) Ministry Age: 52 years (started 1973), 44 years leading RCCG (since 1981)
Pastor E.A. Adeboye, born March 2, 1942, serves as General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Nigeria’s wealthiest Pentecostal denomination. At 82, he’s a revered figure not just in Nigeria but across the global Christian community.
Before entering full-time ministry, Adeboye was a mathematics professor with a PhD from the University of Lagos. This academic background brings intellectual depth to his sermons, which resonate with both educated and everyday believers. He’s transformed RCCG from approximately 40 parishes in 1981 to over 50,000 parishes across 197 countries with an estimated 9+ million members. That’s phenomenal growth spanning four decades.
RCCG is reportedly Nigeria’s single largest private property owner, which speaks volumes about the denomination’s wealth and influence. The massive Redemption Camp along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway serves as the church’s headquarters, hosting millions of worshippers during special programmes, such as the annual Holy Ghost Congress.
Adeboye’s wealth streams are diverse. Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State, generates substantial revenue. He’s authored over 60 books, including the globally distributed “Open Heavens” devotional, which millions of Christians read daily. Dove TV, the church’s gospel television network, broadcasts across Africa and beyond. His Gulfstream G550 private jet, valued at approximately $65 million, facilitates his global ministry travels.
What makes Adeboye particularly influential is his role as a mentor. He’s trained and anointed numerous pastors who’ve gone on to establish their own successful ministries. His humility and spiritual depth have earned him respect across denominational lines, making him one of Africa’s most beloved spiritual leaders.
At 82, questions about succession loom large, especially following the tragic death of his son Dare in 2021. How the ministry transitions in the coming years will significantly impact Nigeria’s religious landscape.
1. Bishop David Oyedepo
Net Worth: $150-200 million (estimated $150-180 million) Ministry Age: 44 years (founded May 2, 1981)
Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, born September 27, 1954, reigns as Africa’s richest pastor and Nigeria’s wealthiest spiritual leader. He founded Living Faith Church Worldwide (popularly known as Winners Chapel) on May 2, 1981, following what he describes as an 18-hour divine vision. This singular event launched a ministry that now spans 300+ cities across 147 countries with an estimated 6-7 million members worldwide and 21,000+ churches in Nigeria alone.
His educational institutions are the crown jewels in his empire. Covenant University, with over 7,000 students, generates approximately $120.5 million in annual revenue and ranks as Nigeria’s #1 private university. Landmark University adds another $14 million annually, ranking #3 nationally.
Dominion Publishing House has printed over 4 million copies of his 70-120 books, which circulate globally. His aviation fleet includes four private jets, including a Gulfstream V ($30-35 million) and Bombardier Challenger 604 (approximately $40 million).
The Canaanland complex in Ota, Ogun State, spans 5,000-10,500 acres and houses the Faith Tabernacle, a 50,400-seat auditorium that held the record as the world’s largest church building from 1999 to 2008.
Interestingly, Oyedepo himself has dismissed the $150 million estimate as “insulting,” suggesting his actual wealth far exceeds published figures. Given the revenues from Covenant University alone, this claim isn’t far-fetched. His prosperity gospel teaching emphasises that Christians should prosper financially.
Oyedepo began preaching at age 16 in 1970, giving him 55 years of ministry experience overall, though Winners Chapel itself is 44 years old. He’s implemented policies such as mandatory retirement for bishops at age 55, indicating that succession planning is underway. His sons, David Jr. and Isaac Oyedepo, were ordained as pastors in 2007, with David Jr. now serving as resident pastor at Faith Tabernacle.
His influence extends beyond religion into education, politics, and social development through various mission projects, including hospitals, schools, and maternity homes. Love him or criticise him, Bishop David Oyedepo has built an empire.
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria’s wealthiest pastors have built diversified empires that extend far beyond church offerings and tithes. Educational institutions, particularly universities, are perhaps the most lucrative avenue for wealth building, with Covenant University alone generating over $100 million annually. Media networks spanning television, publishing, and digital platforms provide both revenue and influence expansion.
The top three positions have remained remarkably stable over the past decade, with Oyedepo, Adeboye, and Oyakhilome maintaining their dominance through institutional infrastructure rather than personal charisma alone.
As these ministries enter their second generation of leadership, questions about succession and sustainability become increasingly important. Will the next generation maintain these empires, or will new leaders emerge to change the religious landscape? Only time will tell, but one thing’s sure: the intersection of faith and fortune in Nigeria will continue generating both admiration and controversy for years to come.
