By Olaoluwasunbo Olundegun
Africa is the most religious continent in the world, a recent survey found. It is said that we Africans have more faith in our pastors than in our political leaders, so it stands to reason that owning a church can be a viable business. Some pastors, thanks to their ever-expanding congregations, get around by private air charter or own private jets. Others live in great big mansions with room for an assortment of luxury vehichles. In order not to keep you guessing, here is a list of 10 of the richest pastors out of Africa.
1.Alph Lukau, worth $1 billion
Alph Luka is the founder of Alleluia Ministries International, which is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, with branches in other parts of Africa. The church was founded in 2002. This controversial pastor, who reports say has claimed that he can raise the dead and heal any disease, is Africa’s wealthiest preacher by far. As well as owning a private jet, his fleet of vehicles boasts a Rolls Royce Wraith, a Bentley and a Range Rover as well as some motorbikes.
2.Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo, worth $150 million
Bishop Oyedepo is the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel. Its 300-plus branches across the globe include ones in the UK, USA and Dubai. Raised by a Muslim dad and a Christian mom, his introduction into ministry was through his grandmother who taught him how to pray. Now the bishop owns two universities in Nigeria, and an impressive fleet of four private jets, around 30 SUVs and a Rolls Royce puts him at number two on our list.
3.Shepherd Bushiri, worth $150 million
At 38 this controversial Malawian prophet and convener of the Enlightened Christian Gathering, with headquarters in South Africa, is the youngest rich pastor to make our list. Bushiri claims that he can walk on air and once recorded angels on video during a meeting.
He owns an investment company, a private jet and several luxury cars, and it’s alleged that three years ago he bought his daughter a Maserati Levante for her fifth birthday.
4.Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, worth $65 million
Pastor E.A. Adeboye, as he’s known to his followers, is a professor of mathematics at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, a prolific author and head pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He also owns Redeemer’s University, a private university in Osun State, and Dove TV, a digital television platform from which he broadcasts his doctrines worldwide. Other assets include two private jets and luxury cars including a Mercedes Benz Gelandewagen.
5 Uebert Angel, worth $60 million
The British-Zimbabwean preacher Uebert Angel founded the Good News Church church in 2007 after moving from Zimbabwe to Manchester in the UK. It was originally called Spirit Embassy, which is now the name of his sprawling ministry. He owns a mansion and 47 vehicles, and travels by helicopter to preach the gospel around the world.
6.Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, worth $50 million
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder and president of Lagos-based Love World Incorporated, popularly called Christ Embassy. His ministry spans continents, a television network and a social media-based online prayer network. He lives in a four-storey building, is rumoured to own over 30 SUVs, and in 2006 purchased his own airline which he renamed Skypower.
7.Pastor Ray McCauley, worth $28 million
The founder of Rhema Bible Church in South Africa, Pastor McCauley isn’t known for flaunting his luxury assets, so you won’t find any pictures of his cars or houses online. The popular pastor is believed to have built substantial assets with the proceeds from authoring many books and broadcasting his teachings on Rhema TV.
8.Prophet Temitope Babatunde Joshua, worth $25 million
T.B. Joshua founded Synagogue Church of All Nations in 1987, now with branches in Ghana, Greece, the UK and Israel. Donations as well as ad revenues for his television network, Emmanuel TV, and his million-follower YouTube channel ensure this philanthropist can afford plenty of luxury cars and a private jet.
9.Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, worth $10 million
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo was raised by Muslim parents but converted to Christianty in his twenties and founded Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC). He owns a private jet to commute between headquarters in Kent, London, and Maryland, Lagos, and his collection of exotic collection of cars includes a Porsche Cayenne and a bulletproof Hummer Jeep.
10.Pastor Lazarus Muoka, $8 million
The founder and senior pastor of The Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, Pastor Lazarus Muoka is a former businessman and it shows. His ministry, which was founded in 1994, claims many miracles and healings, and earns revenue from books, audio tapes and bottled water, among other ventures. He owns homes in several countries.
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