7 Richest Nigerian Pastors in 2023

In contradiction with how Nigerian pastors used to be associated with living in penury, these days have seen pastors living in sheer affluence alongside commanding influence at home and abroad. Instead of being seen as impoverished, they are now being criticized for having too much money due to their number of cars and purchase of private jets at the cost of the financial contributions and investments made by the members of the church.

As the reverberations of this achievement by religious leaders are causing a continuous surge in the number of churches across Nigeria, this piece looks into some wealthiest pastors in Nigeria and their respective net worths in no particular order.

David Oyedepo – $150 million 

David Oyedepo, a name synonymous with opulence and religious influence is Nigeria’s wealthiest pastor. As a founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, known as Winners Chapel, Oyedepo’s accomplishments reverberated across his homeland. His ministry birth child, Winners Chapel International, boasts over 500 branches within Nigeria and spans 45 African nations. The audacious 50,000-seat auditorium pioneered a new era of grand worship centers. Oyedepo’s legacy continues to grow, evident in plans for a colossal 100,000-seat sanctuary. 

Beyond his material assets, he serves as pro-chancellor of Covenant and Landmark Universities, and as an author, he forgoes profit from his published works. Amid his luxury mansion in Canaan City, and his private jet (Gulfstream 1), he remains a man of both spiritual and financial stature.

Chris Oyakhilome – $50 million

Chris Oyakhilome, a prominent figure among Nigeria’s wealthiest pastors, stands as the visionary behind Believers LoveWorld Inc., known as Christ Embassy. With over 13 million global members, Christ Embassy has become a household name. He started out as a religious group in the early 21st century, and his ministry captured hearts across Nigeria and beyond. Originating as a campus fellowship at Ambrose Ali University, he nurtured a movement that bloomed into a spiritual empire. 

His church boasts a 24-hour satellite TV station, a printing press, a record label, a social media platform, and a creative arts academy. He has a private jet, gifted by LoveWorld Records, as well as other elegant residences, exotic cars, and international real estate, which epitomizes prestige and flair.

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye  – $39 million

Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), is one of the richest pastors in Nigeria. He leads Nigeria’s largest congregation, with around 5 million devoted followers and an extensive network of branches spanning the nation. Taking the reins in 1981, he expanded upon the foundation laid by the RCCG’s founder, Pa Akindayomi. 

This humble mathematician-turned-pastor oversees the expansive RCCG presence in over 190 countries. Despite his position, Adeboye’s modesty remains unwavering. While utilizing a private jet for ministry duties, he lives an unostentatious lifestyle, embodying humility. RCCG’s pursuits include Redeemers University, a TV station, and a printing press. The sprawling 44-hectare Redemption Camp serves as the monumental headquarters. This urban expanse encompasses banks, hospitals, educational institutions, and more, holding immeasurable worth.

Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo – $10 million

Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, the senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Center (KICC), leads the largest Pentecostal church in London, headquartered in the United Kingdom. His transformative journey began when he embraced Christianity at age 22, departing from his Muslim roots. Having established KICC London in 1992, he nurtured it into the foremost congregation beyond Nigeria’s borders, a notable feat in a predominantly non-African setting.

Noteworthy in his possessions are a private jet, a Media and Publication Company that disseminates his prosperity-focused literature (Matthew Ashimolowo Media), and diverse investment ventures. He is reportedly earning an annual salary of around $200,000, Ashimolowo’s narrative is one of faith, entrepreneurship, and international influence.

Pastor Chris Okotie – $10 million

Pastor Chris Okotie, a distinctive figure in Nigeria’s contemporary religious landscape, shows a unique preaching style adorned with high-end diction and vocabulary. His prominent Lagos-based church attracts Nigerian celebrities, particularly from the Nollywood industry. Known for his sophisticated demeanor, Pastor Chris transitions seamlessly between lavish living and spiritual leadership. 

His journey is marked by transformation, evolving from a renowned ’80s secular pop artist to founding the Household of God Church in 1987. A connoisseur of luxury cars, he notably favors the opulent Rolls Royce among his fleet. While his political aspirations saw three unsuccessful attempts at the presidency under the Justice and Fresh Democratic Party, his legacy remains entrenched in both faith and fame.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh – $90 million

Reverend Father Emmanuel Edeh, a notable Catholic priest and pioneering entrant onto the list of richest pastors, stands as a distinguished educationist. Widely recognized for his efforts, Father Edeh oversees an educational empire comprising Caritas University Enugu, Madonna University in Rivers and Anambra States, Madonna Secondary School in Elele Rivers State, Osisatech Boys Secondary School in Enugu State, and Aba Girls Secondary School in Enugu State. 

Beyond education, his diverse portfolio encompasses maternity hospitals, a comprehensive hospital, a specialized diagnostic center, a motherless baby home, a microfinance bank, and a manufacturing company. As the founder of the Pilgrimage Center of the Eucharistic Adoration in Elele, Rivers State, Father Edeh’s influence extends to peace reconciliation endeavors, epitomizing his role as an astute investor and priest of the Holy Ghost Congregation. He holds a position of great prominence and respect as a Catholic priest in Nigeria.

Bishop Ayodele Oritsejafor – $14

Bishop Ayodele Oritsejafor, affectionately known as “Papa Ayo,” serves as the Founder and General Overseer of Word of Life Bible Church in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. His influence extends beyond the pulpit, having led both the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria as National President from 2005 to 2010, and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the country’s apex Christian organization, for two terms. 

Papa Ayo’s opulent reputation is well-earned as one of Nigeria’s most prosperous preachers, owning a private jet for global travel. His extensive portfolio includes high-value real estate, luxury cars, and multimillion-dollar properties domestically and internationally.