Recently, the popular, international, American magazine, Forbes, released a list of the top 20 richest pastors in the world. Ten of these rich pastors are from Africa, the poorest continent in the world.
Among the African pastors on the list are seven Nigerian pastors with a fortune ranging from $10 million to $150 million dollars, these pastors have amassed stupendous wealth since they ventured into the gospel work.
While their followers hope for a financial miracle or to be cured of an incurable disease, these pastors are seeing their fortune reach new heights. They travel by private jets, drive luxury cars and have impressive homes all around the world.
Chris Okotie, Nigeria, 1o Million Dollars
Before becoming a pastor, Chris Okotie was a famous singer known for the hit 80s song, “Show Me Your Backside.” His church, among the more flamboyant ones in Nigeria, has about 5,000 followers including many local stars. He even ran in the Nigerian presidential elections three times in vain. A big fan of luxury cars, he possesses, among others, a Mercedes S600, a Hummer, a Rolls Royce Phantom and a Porsche.
Matthew Ashimolowo, Nigeria, 1o Million Dollars
Matthew Ashimolowo, a Nigerian pastor, is the founder of the “Kingsway International Christian Center” (KICC) based in the United Kingdom. At the age of 20, he converted to Christianity and enrolled in a Christian school. Sent to the United Kingdom to develop the antenna for a Nigerian congregation, he decided to create his own church. Today, he is the head of the largest Pentecostal congregation in the United Kingdom. His two favorite topics to talk about our health and money. His predominantly black audience spends millions of dollars a year to attend his shows.
T.B Joshua, Nigeria, 15 Million Dollars
T.B. Joshua, the “Prophet,” is one of the most controversial pastors in Nigeria. Indeed, he owes his success to his “ability” to cure diseases said to be incurable such as HIV/AIDS, paralysis, or certain cancers. His church, called The Synagogue – Church of all Nations, brings together 15,000 members every Sunday and also has bases located in Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom and Greece. T.B. Joshua also has his own TV channel called “Emmanuel TV,” which is also the largest Christian TV channel in Africa. Extremely popular on the internet, T.B. Joshua has more than 2.5 million fans on Facebook, more than 500,000 subscribers on YouTube, and his videos have been viewed more than 240 million times.
Ray Mccauley, South Africa, 30 Million Dollars
This South African pastor began his training in 1979 before founding his own church, the Rhema Bible Church, which today is the most powerful church in South Africa. The church has 50,000 members among which are the South African elite. At one time a bouncer at a nightclub, Ray had also been a professional bodybuilder and became known as Mr. South Africa. He even won 3rd place at the World Bodybuilder Championships in London in 1974 … alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger
Tshifhiwa Irene, South African, 35 Million Dollars
Tshifhiwa Irene is a televangelist pastor. Her church, located in Venda, South Africa, has helped her become one of the richest pastors in the world. She has developed her own religion and accumulated tens of thousands of followers.
Chris Oyakhilome, Nigeria, 50 Million Dollars
He is the founder of the Christ Embassy Church. His church has 40,000 members which include many entrepreneurs and politicians. Particularly active on the internet, this Nigerian pastor has more than 3 million followers on Twitter and Facebook. His sermons are available in 143 languages. The book, Loverworld Publications, that he co-wrote with his wife has sold more than two million copies at $1 per book. Apart from these activities, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has television channels, newspapers, magazines, a hotel and a fast food chain.
Uebert Angel, Zimbabwe, 60 Million Dollars
Founder of the Spirit Embassy Church, the prophet, Uebert Angel, is sitting on a $ 60 million jackpot. At only 39 years old, the young native pastor of Zimbabwe travels by helicopter and is known for his flamboyant style. His church has 33 branches in 15 different countries. An entrepreneur at heart, Uebert Angel started by creating the “Limited Millionaire Club” (a concierge service in London). Then, he entered into real estate before expanding his empire to financial and telephone services. He is the second Zimbabwean to appear in the list of the world’s richest people in Forbes magazine. Since 2007, he has helped poor families in Asia and Africa by providing these families with money to buy food and pay for their children’s education.
Ayo Oritsejafor, 120 Million Dollars
He’s one of the richest pastors in Nigeria. He has invested in banking, real estate, transportation and the media. Ayodele Oritsejafor created ABN, a Christian channel which is broadcasted via satellite in 75 countries.
E. A Adeboye, Nigeria, 130 Million Dollars
E.A. Adeboye, a Nigerian pastor, is the leader of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He has a fortune that is estimated at $130 million.
David Oyedepo, Nigeria, 150 Million Dollars
David Oyedepo is a Nigerian pastor who is the leader of the most powerful congregation in Africa. His church has three services and can hold up to 50,000 followers. With a fortune of $150 million, he is the richest pastor in Nigeria and Africa. He has four private jets and houses in London and the United States. He also has his own publishing company that publishes his books. Lastly, he is the founder of Covenant University and Faith Academy, an elitist secondary school.
