Rev. Isaac Omolehin, founder of The Word Assembly Churches, has stated that Nigerian Christianity has no unifying paternal figure, describing prominent leaders as denominational heads rather than fathers of the entire Christian body. Speaking in a sermon uploaded to the church's official YouTube channel on Wednesday, a clip of which went viral by Saturday, Omolehin questioned the use of the term "fathers" for leaders like Enoch Adeboye, William Kumuyi and Daniel Olukoya. "Nigerian Christianity has no father," he repeated, arguing that these figures represent specific denominations — Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Kumuyi of Deeper Life Bible Church, and Olukoya of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries — rather than the broader Christian community. He criticized the rivalry among churches, citing competition over auditorium sizes and private aircraft as evidence of a lack of spiritual unity. Omolehin said a true father of Nigerian Christianity must transcend denominational boundaries and care for believers across all groups, including Roman Catholics, Methodists, Anglicans, Apostolics, Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses. He noted that none of the current leaders speak authoritatively on issues affecting all Christians, attributing this silence to their denominational focus. According to Omolehin, such divisions hold no weight in eternity, where denominational labels will cease to matter.
Rev. Isaac Omolehin highlights a contradiction: leaders called "fathers" of Nigerian Christianity operate within denominational silos while claiming broad spiritual authority. If Adeboye, Kumuyi and Olukoya are seen as national fathers, yet do not engage with crises affecting Christians outside their churches, their influence remains confined. This limits the possibility of unified moral leadership when believers across denominations face common threats. The title of "father" rings hollow when it does not extend beyond a congregation's membership list.
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