Top 20 Most Influential Pastors in Nigeria: Their Biography, and Net Worth

 Nigeria is home to some of the most influential pastors in Africa, whose ministries reach millions locally and internationally. These pastors have built large congregations, established philanthropic projects, and maintained significant followings. Over the years, these pastors have become very influential personalities, both in assets, and other achievements. 

Many of these pastors own private universities, private jets, and lead luxurious lifestyles. While some are significantly wealthier than others, they are all regarded as billionaires, despite not being officially recognized by Forbes.

In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 most influential Nigerian pastors, their biographies, churches, and glimpses into their personal lives.

Also Read This: Pastor Abel Damina Biography: Net Worth, Wife and Children

Richest Pastors in Nigeria and their Net Worth 

1. Pastor Enoch Adeboye

• Church founded: Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
• Biography: Born on March 2, 1942, Pastor Adeboye holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics and began his ministry in 1975. He later became the General Overseer of RCCG, leading it to become one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in the world.
• Personal Life: Adeboye is married to Pastor Folu Adeboye, and they have four children. Known for his humility and simplicity, Adeboye focuses on evangelism and the growth of the RCCG globally.
• Net Worth: Pastor Enoch Adeboye has an estimated net worth of $65 million.

2. Bishop David Oyedepo

• Church founded: Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel)
• Biography: Bishop Oyedepo was born on September 27, 1954, in Osogbo, Nigeria. He is the founder of the Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel, which boasts one of the largest congregations in the world. Oyedepo is also the Chancellor of Covenant University.
• Personal Life: He is married to Faith Abiola Oyedepo, and they have four children. Oyedepo is a proponent of prosperity gospel and is considered one of the richest pastors in the world.
• Net Worth: Pastor David Oyedepo has an estimated net worth of $150 million, making him the richest pastor in Nigeria and Africa. His wealth stems from a variety of sources, including several notable assets. He owns four private jets and is the founder of Covenant University in Ota, Lagos, as well as Landmark University in Omuaran, Kwara State, both of which are among the largest private universities in Nigeria.

3. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

• Church founded: Christ Embassy (Believers’ LoveWorld)
• Biography: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome was born on December 7, 1963, in Edo State. He founded Christ Embassy, which has millions of followers globally and operates a vast media network, including LoveWorld TV.
• Personal Life: He was previously married to Anita Ebhodaghe, with whom he has two daughters. Pastor Chris is a powerful figure in the charismatic movement, with a focus on healing and miracles.
• Net Worth: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has an estimated net worth of $50 million, ranking among the richest pastors in Nigeria. His wealth includes numerous assets such as luxury cars, houses, and television networks. He also founded one of Africa’s largest streaming media networks, which reaches millions of viewers worldwide.

4. Late. Prophet T.B. Joshua

• Church founded: The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN)
• Biography: Born on June 12, 1963, in Ondo State, T.B. Joshua was the founder of SCOAN, renowned for his healing and deliverance ministry. Before his passing in 2021, Joshua had millions of followers globally, many of whom traveled to Nigeria to attend his healing services.
• Personal Life: He was married to Evelyn Joshua, with whom he had three children. His legacy continues through SCOAN’s international outreach and philanthropy.
• Net Worth: $10 million

5. Pastor Paul Adefarasin

• Church founded: House on the Rock
• Biography: Pastor Paul Adefarasin, born on January 25, 1963, in Lagos, is the founder of House on the Rock, a mega church headquartered in Lagos. He is also the visionary behind The Experience, an annual gospel music concert.
• Personal Life: Adefarasin is married to Ifeanyi Adefarasin, and they have three children. His ministry is known for its focus on leadership, excellence, and worship.
• Net Worth: $12 million

6. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo

• Church founded: Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC)
• Biography: Born on March 17, 1952, in Kaduna, Matthew Ashimolowo is the Senior Pastor of KICC, one of the largest churches in the United Kingdom. He started his ministry career in Foursquare Gospel Church before founding KICC.
• Personal Life: He is married to Pastor Yemisi Ashimolowo, and they have two sons. Ashimolowo’s ministry is known for its focus on prosperity, success, and financial empowerment.
• Net Worth: $6 million

7. Pastor Sam Adeyemi

• Church founded: Daystar Christian Centre
• Biography: Pastor Sam Adeyemi was born on February 3, 1967. He founded Daystar Christian Centre in Lagos, one of the fastest-growing churches in Nigeria. Adeyemi is known for his teachings on leadership and personal development.
• Personal Life: He is married to Nike Adeyemi, and they have three children. Adeyemi is a speaker, mentor, and leadership coach.
• Net Worth: $30 million according to legit.ng

8. Apostle Johnson Suleman

• Church founded: Omega Fire Ministries
• Biography: Apostle Johnson Suleman, born on March 24, 1971, in Edo State, is the founder of Omega Fire Ministries, with branches globally. He is known for his prophetic ministry and his stance on social issues.
• Personal Life: He is married to Lizzy Johnson Suleman, and they have five children. Suleman is also a philanthropist and often engages in community outreach projects.
• Net Worth: $10.5 million

9. Bishop Mike Okonkwo

• Church founded: The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM)
• Biography: Born on September 6, 1945, Bishop Mike Okonkwo is the founder of TREM, a church with multiple branches across Nigeria. Okonkwo is a former banker who transitioned into full-time ministry in the 1970s.
• Personal Life: He is married to Peace Okonkwo, and they have one daughter. Bishop Okonkwo is a strong advocate for national unity and development.
• Net Worth: $3.5 million

10. Pastor David Ibiyeomie

• Church founded: Salvation Ministries
• Biography: Pastor David Ibiyeomie was born on October 21, 1962, in Bonny Island, Rivers State. He founded Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt, which has grown to include multiple branches and a large following.
• Personal Life: He is married to Peace Ibiyeomie, and they have one son. Pastor David is known for his teachings on success, empowerment, and excellence.
• Net Worth: USD $41 million

11. Pastor Chris Okotie

• Church founded: Household of God Church International Ministries
• Biography: Born on June 16, 1958, in Delta State, Pastor Chris Okotie is a former pop musician who transitioned into ministry in 1987. He founded the Household of God Church in Lagos, where his teachings focus on prosperity and grace.
• Personal Life: Okotie has been involved in politics, running for president several times. He is currently unmarried, following two divorces, and is known for his passion for theology and public service.
• Net Worth: $3 million – $10 million according to Forbes.

12. Bishop Ayodele Oritsejafor

• Church founded: Word of Life Bible Church
• Biography: Bishop Oritsejafor, born on November 10, 1948, in Delta State, is the founder of Word of Life Bible Church in Warri. He is a former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and is a vocal advocate for religious unity and peace.
• Personal Life: Oritsejafor is married to Helen Oritsejafor, and they have three children. His ministry is known for its outreach programs, including free medical services and educational scholarships.
• Net Worth: $32 million dollars according to legit.ng. He is one of the richest pastors in Nigeria, owning a lot of private businesses.

13. Apostle Ayo Babalola

• Church founded: Christ Apostolic Church (CAC)
• Biography: Though he passed away in 1959, Apostle Ayo Babalola remains one of the most influential figures in Nigerian Pentecostalism. He is credited with founding the Christ Apostolic Church, a major Pentecostal denomination that continues to thrive today.
• Personal Life: Babalola was married and had children, but his life was largely centered around ministry, fasting, and praying. His influence laid the foundation for modern Pentecostal movements in Nigeria.
• Net Worth: Apostle Ayo lived in an era when wealth wasn’t publicly scrutinize. He lived a modest life and wasn’t focus on materialistic things.He invested most of the funds from donations back into his ministry and in helping the less privileged.

14. Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi

• Church founded: Deeper Christian Life Ministry
• Biography: Born on June 6, 1941, in Osun State, Pastor Kumuyi is the founder of Deeper Life Bible Church, one of Nigeria’s most conservative churches. He is also an author and evangelist known for his holiness-focused teachings.
• Personal Life: He was married to the late Abiodun Kumuyi and is currently married to Esther Kumuyi. Kumuyi is known for his strict moral code and emphasis on personal holiness and spiritual discipline.
• Net Worth: Pastor William Kumuyi has an estimated net worth of $10 million dollars. He is one of the richest pastors in Nigeria. He also has one of the largest congregations in Nigeria with many branches.

15. Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin

• Church founded: Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry
• Biography: Born on February 15, 1971, Prophet Fufeyin is the founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, located in Warri, Delta State. His ministry is popular for its focus on deliverance, healing, and prophecy.
• Personal Life: Fufeyin is married to Anthonia Fufeyin, and they have children. He is known for his philanthropic work, especially providing financial assistance to the less privileged.
• Net Worth: Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin has an estimated net worth of $35 million. He is known to be one of the richest pastors in Nigeria with his wealth majorly from private businesses, TV broadcast, and from his ministry.

16. Bishop David Abioye

• Church founded: Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel)
• Biography: Bishop David Abioye is the second-in-command to Bishop David Oyedepo at Living Faith Church. Born on March 11, 1961, he has been an integral part of the church’s expansion.
• Personal Life: Abioye is married to Mary Abioye, and they have children. He is known for his focus on leadership and mentoring young pastors.
• Net Worth: Bishop David Abioye has an estimated net worth of $3 million.

17. Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo

• Church founded: Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA)
• Biography: Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, born on January 1, 1976, in Kwara State, is the Senior Pastor of COZA, a rapidly growing megachurch in Abuja, with branches worldwide. He is known for his dynamic preaching style and contemporary approach to ministry.
• Personal Life: He is married to Modele Fatoyinbo, and they have children. Despite facing some controversies, Fatoyinbo continues to lead COZA with a focus on youth and urban culture.
• Net Worth: Pastor Biodun has an estimated net worth of $5 million. He is considered one of the richest Nigerian pastors and also a billionaire.

18. Pastor Lazarus Muoka

• Church founded: The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement
• Biography: Pastor Muoka, born in 1952, founded The Lord’s Chosen in 2002, which has grown to become one of the fastest-growing churches in Nigeria. His ministry is known for its evangelical focus and strong emphasis on holiness.
• Personal Life: Muoka was married to Joy Muoka, and they have two children.His first wife Joy Muoka passed away in 2010. He later remarried to pastor Ngozi Mouka and she passed away in 2024, she was buried in Imo state. His ministry emphasizes revival, holiness, and the second coming of Christ.
• Net Worth: Pastor Lazarus Muoka’s net worth is estimated at $8 million dollars. He doesn’t live a flashy lifestyle, but he is one of the richest pastors in Nigeria with multiple sources of income.

19. Pastor Chris Kwakpovwe

• Church founded: Manna Prayer Mountain Ministry
• Biography: Pastor Chris Kwakpovwe is the founder of the Manna Prayer Mountain Ministry and the publisher of the popular daily devotional “Our Daily Manna.” He started his ministry after a successful career as a medical doctor.
• Personal Life: He is married to Flora Kwakpovwe. Kwakpovwe’s devotional writings have become widely read both in Nigeria and abroad, and his ministry has impacted millions through prayer and outreach programs.
• Net Worth: Pastor Chris Kwakpovwe has an estimated net worth of $4 million.

20. Pastor Tunde Bakare

• Church founded:  “The Citadel Global Community Church (formerly Latter Rain Assembly)”
• Biography: Born on November 11, 1954, Pastor Bakare is known for his bold teachings on governance, societal transformation, and church reform. He is a former vice-presidential candidate and continues to be an influential voice in both Christian and political spheres.
• Personal Life: Bakare is married to Mrs. Olayide Bakare, and they have five children. His church is known for combining spiritual teachings with political advocacy.
• Net Worth: Pastor Tunde Bakare has an estimated net worth of $5 million.

Who is the richest pastor in Nigeria?

The richest pastor in Nigeria and Africa is pastor David Oyedepo. He owns two private universities in Nigeria and has four private jets. He also has several houses in the US. His congregation is one of the largest, boasting millions of streams across the globe.