Chris Oyakhilome

Last updated

Pastor
Chris Oyakhilome
Pastorchris.jpg
Born
Christian Oyakhilome

(1963-12-07) 7 December 1963 (age 60)
Edo State, Nigeria
Occupation(s)Pastor, faith healing minister, television host, author, philanthropist
Known forGlobal Evangelical Outreach
Notable workFounder, Loveworld Inc
Spouse
Anita Ebhodaghe
​
​
(m. 1991;div. 2016)​
Children2
Website www.pastorchrisonline.org

Christian Oyakhilome (born 7 December 1963), known as Pastor Chris, is a Christian faith leader, preacher, author, philanthropist, [1] televangelist and president of Loveworld Incorporated. He is recognized as the founding pastor of the Mega Church Christ Embassy and author of the daily devotional Rhapsody of Realities . [2] [3]

Contents

Oyakhilome also organizes large rallies, with some garnering attendance of over 3.5 million. [4] [ better source needed ] His "healing school" is held periodically every year in Nigeria and South Africa. [5]

Oyakhilome and his church have been accused of spreading anti-vaccine misinformation about HPV, polio and malaria vaccination [6] and in 2021 the Oyakhilome-associated Loveworld Television Network was convicted of making false claims about the COVID-19 pandemic. [7]

Early life and education

Chris Oyakhilome was born on 7 December 1963 to Tim and Angelina Oyakhilome in Edo State, Nigeria. He is the third child of 7 children and the first of two sons. He has five sisters and all of his siblings play active roles in Loveworld and Christ Embassy. They are Beayeta Akhuemokhan (née Oyakhilome), Mercy Oyakhilome, Kenneth Oyakhilome, Linda Okocha (née Oyakhilome), Kathy Woghiren (née Oyakhilome) and Lovelina Osazuwa (née Oyakhilome). [8]

He attended Edo College, and on scholarship, gained admission into Bendel State University, which was later renamed Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma where he studied and obtained a first degree in Architecture. [9]

Ministry and theology

Christ Embassy in Luton, England Christ Embassy Luton - geograph.org.uk - 1598547.jpg
Christ Embassy in Luton, England

Oyakhilome's ministry began to while he was a student on campus at Ambrose Alli University. As an undergraduate, he founded a youth ministry called Youth For Christ, which became the largest fellowship at Bendel State University. In one of his services, Oyakhilome gave an account of how the Vice Chancellor at the time attended his service once on Campus. [10]

Upon graduation in 1987, he started a church in Benin City and relocated to Lagos in 1989, where he established Christ Embassy. [9] As of February 2023, there were BLW Campus Fellowships and Christ Embassy Churches in higher institutions and major cities around the world; [11] [12] Oyakhilome's ministry has spread to the United Kingdom, the United States, Ghana and South Africa, [13] and has "healing school" sessions in South Africa, Lagos, and Canada. [5]

Oyakhilome also founded a Christian-based television network, which broadcast worldwide from Africa. He also held the largest single-night event in Nigeria in 2006 with 3.5 million people in attendance "Good Friday Miracle Night". [14] Oyakhilome also hosts Higher Life conferences in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, the UK, the US, and Canada, [15] and organized the Night of Bliss South Africa event at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. [16] Oyakhilome also operates an International School of Ministry, [17] which held one of its Ministers' Network Conferences in 2016 with 5,000 ministers in attendance from 145 countries, in Johannesburg, South Africa. [18] [17]

He runs an online prayer network using social media to send messages to Christians in several countries. He also operates a smartphone messenger called KingsChat. [19] In 2015, Oyakhilome was given an honorary doctorate from Ambrose Alli University [20] and Benson Idahosa University. [21] In 2017, Oyakhilome, in partnership with Benny Hinn, created the Christian cable channel LoveWorld USA.[ citation needed ]

Oyakhilome has hosted several online programs including five editions of the Global Day of Prayer, with Benny Hinn, the first edition on 27 March 2020. Today, his ministry has a digital currency called Espee that members can use to make different transactions.[ citation needed ]

Personal life

Chris Oyakhilome married Anita Ebhodaghe on 2 February 1991. They met as students at University. Anita was also a Pastor in Christ Embassy and she was known widely as Pastor Anita. They later had two daughters, Sharon and Charlene. [22]

The couple filed for divorce on 9 April 2014. In an official release made by Pastor Anita's legal team, Attwaters Jameson Hill, the divorce was confirmed completed on 8 February 2016, and they stated, "Anita Oyakhilome would like to confirm that she is no longer involved in or part of Christ Embassy AKA Believers loveworld inc." [23]

On 6 October 2018, Pastor Benny Hinn officiated the wedding ceremony of Pastor Chris' first daughter, Sharon, to Phillip Frimpong; a Ghanaian, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as chairman of the occasion. [24] [25]

In 2011, Forbes estimated Oyakhilome's wealth as between $30 million and $50 million. [26]

Philanthropic work

Oyakhilome operates the Inner City Mission Project, which works to assist orphaned and indigent children in inner cities in several countries. [27] The organisation is under the auspices of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, which works to help the poor and those in the inner cities. The organisation sends relief materials to countries when disasters strike and work with government parastatals to improve social well-being.[ citation needed ]

The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation is one of the major sponsors of the inner city orphanage homes [28] in Africa managed by pushaboo, [29] an organisation spearheading the care of mothers and babies around the world.

Other agencies [30] supported by Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) are the Volunteer Medical Corps, Trauma Care International Foundation, Inner City Mission for Children, Future Africa Leaders Foundation and the Bible for All Mission.[ citation needed ]

In an inquiry started in 2013, the UK Charity Commission found there was "serious misconduct and/or mismanagement" in the administration of the "Christ Embassy", a charity associated with Oyakhilome and his church's activities. [31] An interim manager was appointed to review the activities and governance of the charity, leading to a report that “the board of trustees appears to be fragmented” and “appear to have little appreciation of their roles, duties and obligations as Trustees”. The interim manager served until the appointment of a new Board of Trustees in 2016.

Honors

Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Benson Idahosa University. [32] [33]

Honorary Doctorate Doctor of Science Award, Ambrose Alli University. [34]

In December 2023, he was named the Chancellor – Head of Government and Chairman Plenipotentiary of Weldios University. [35]

Controversies

Oyakhilome has garnered attention for his advocacy of faith healing as a potential solution for HIV/AIDS. [36]

Oyakhilome has been accused of preaching the prosperity gospel and using his followers for money, stating that those who donate to his ministry will be rewarded with wealth, health. [37] However he has responded to criticism by stating that "true prosperity comes from spiritual growth and adherence to God's principles, not mere material accumulation. [38]

Oyakhilome also supports YouTube-propagated conspiracy theories, including a video he posted linking the Corona Virus with the 5G mobile network rollout and a conspiracy of the "New World Order." [39] He has preached against vaccines and has been accused of undermining efforts to eradicate serious infectious diseases. [40] He has also spoken against vaccines against malaria. [41]

In March 2021, his television network Loveworld was fined £125,000 by British regulators Ofcom after it breached broadcasting rules by airing “inaccurate and potentially harmful claims about coronavirus”. [42]

Writings

Oyakhilome is the author of Rhapsody of Realities, which is distributed monthly in several countries and also shared via social media platforms. [43] Below are the books written and the year published.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benin City</span> Capital city of Edo State, Nigeria

Benin City is the capital and largest city of Edo State, southern Nigeria. It is the fourth-largest city in Nigeria according to the 2006 census, after Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan. It is situated approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) north of the Benin River and 320 kilometres (200 mi) by road east of Lagos. Benin City is the centre of Nigeria's rubber industry, and Palm oil production is also a significant industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edo State</span> State of Nigeria

Edo, officially known as Edo State, is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of the federal republic of Nigeria. As of 2006 national population census, the state was ranked as the 22nd most populous state (10,233,366) in Nigeria. The estimated state population is around 10,777,000 in 2022. Edo State is the 22nd largest State by landmass in Nigeria. The state's capital and largest city, Benin City, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria, and the centre of the country's rubber industry. Created in 1991 from the former Bendel State, it is also known as the heart beat of the nation. Edo State borders Kogi State to the north for 133 km and across the Niger River for 81 km to the northeast, Anambra State to the east for about four km across the Niger River, Delta State to the southeast and south for 350 km, and Ondo State to the west.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esan people</span> Ethnic group in Nigeria

The Esan people are an ethnic group of southern Nigeria who speak the Esan language. The Esan are traditionally known to be agriculturalists, trado-medical practitioners, mercenary warriors and hunters. They cultivate palm trees, Irvingia gabonensis (erhonhiele), Cherry (Otien), bell pepper (akoh) coconut, betel nut, kola nut, black pear, avocado pear, yams, cocoyam, cassava, maize, rice, beans, groundnut, bananas, oranges, plantains, sugar cane, tomato, potato, okra, pineapple, paw paw, and various vegetables.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ambrose Alli University</span> University in Nigeria

Ambrose Alli University (AAU) is a state-owned university in Edo State, Nigeria. It was established in 1981 by the governor of Bendel State, Ambrose Folorunsho Alli. Initially known as Bendel State University, subsequently known as Edo State University, and finally changed to its present name in commemoration of Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, AAU is accredited and recognized by the National Universities Commission (NUC). The Ambrose Alli University Library houses the information resources for the institution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benson Idahosa University</span> Private university in Nigeria

Benson Idahosa University (BIU) is a private, Christian university in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Previously named Christian Faith University (CFU), it was renamed in honor of Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a Charismatic Pentecostal minister from Benin City, Nigeria, and reflects his evangelical beliefs. He was the first president of the university. The current president of Benson Idahosa University, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Faith Emmanuel Benson Idahosa, son of Benson Idahosa, is the Bishop of CGMi Faith Arena and Co-ordinator, Next Generation Leadership of the Church of God Mission.

Martin PK is a South African singer, songwriter and actor. He is part of the Christ Embassy's LoveWorld Music and Arts Ministry.

Christ Embassy is a megachurch and Christian denomination founded in 1987 by Chris Oyakhilome who hails from Edo State, Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sinach</span> Nigerian gospel singer (born 1972)

Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu, known professionally as Sinach, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and senior worship leader, serving in this capacity for over 30 years. She is the first singer-songwriter to top the Billboard Christian Songwriter chart for 12 weeks in a row. Her song "Way Maker" received three nominations and won the Song of the Year at the 51st GMA Dove Awards, making her the first Nigerian to win the Award. She also won the BMI song of the year, and in 2021 was recognized by the US Congress while on tour in the United States of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ada Ehi</span> Nigerian gospel singer

Ada Ogochukwu Ehi, also simply known by her stage name Ada, is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, recording and performing artist. She started her musical career at the age of 10 as a backup singer for child star Tosin Jegede. Since she professionally started her music career under Loveworld Records in 2009, she has increasingly gained local and international popularity through her songs and music videos.

Loveworld Records is an independent record label established by Chris Oyakhilome with the sole aim of discovering and developing gospel artists. Founded in 2009, the record label has gone on to groom and produce notable gospel musicians including Sinach, Frank Edwards, Joe Praize; among others.

Emmanuel Benjamin, known professionally as Eben is a Nigerian gospel singer, vocalist, and songwriter.

Heline Babiene Eweni is a Cameroonian activist and philanthropist helping vulnerable women and children and people with disability. Her philanthropy is noted by her support to people displaced by civil conflict between Cameroonian government and Anglophone separatists. Eweni became an orphan when she loss her both parents at a tender age. Her humanitarian services started by rendering community service through Exceptional Youth Initiative which focuses on free cleaning services in communities. Later, Eweni registered the organisation as a non-profit organisation.

Salau Aliu Olayiwola who is popularly called by his stage name Testimony Jaga was born on 9 March 1987, is a Nigerian Fuji, afro-pop recording and performing gospel artist, who started his gospel musical career from loveworld records under Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. Testimony Jaga gospel career was preceded by the release of the single: "Igara" which won him the "Artist of the Year" awards at The LIMA Awards 2019. His songs are mostly composed in English and Yoruba.

The Future Africa Leaders Award (FALA) is an annual prize awarded to 10 African youths who have contributed significantly in their local communities through innovation, societal education on local and global issues, developing solutions to combat societal issues, advocacy, social education and societal awareness. Each winner is given a grant of 10,000 USD and an outstanding winner among the 10 is given an additional 25,000 USD. Since inception, 110 youths from 28 countries have won this Award out of thousands of entries reviewed each year.

Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), is a faith based non-profit, non-political, philanthropy and charity Non-Governmental Organisation founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in 2008.

Moses Uyoh Enang, popularly known as Moses Bliss, is a Nigerian gospel singer, worship leader and songwriter. He is the founder of Spotlite Nation, a Nigerian record label. Bliss released his first single in January 2017 titled "E No Dey Fall My Hand" and rose to prominence with the 2019 song "Too Faithful". In 2020, he won the Loveworld International Music and Arts Award by Chris Oyakhilome for his song "You I Live for". Bliss is married to Marie Wiseborn.

Rhapsody of Realities is a Christian daily devotional publication by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. It was first published January 2001 in English and by August 2022, it was reported to have been published in over 7,000 languages. In 2011, it distributed 2 million copies each month globally. During the celebration of its 20th year in print, the publishers reported the devotional has reached a global coverage of all 242 countries and territories of the world with over 3.6 billion copies circulated in 20 years.

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Teaching Hospital formerly known as Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital is a medical facility located in Okada, Edo State, Nigeria. It is affiliated with Igbinedion University and serves as a significant center for medical education, patient care, and research in the region.

References

  1. ↑ "Pastor Oyakhilome Donates 1Billion Naira To Idahosa University". Channels Television. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  2. ↑ Nwafor (25 August 2022). "Rhapsody of Realities hits 7,000 languages, hosts #ReachOutWorldLive with Pastor Chris". Vanguard News. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  3. ↑ "Pastor Oyakhilome Donates 1Billion Naira To Idahosa University – Channels Television".
  4. ↑ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome builds N100 million auditorium". Encomium. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  5. 1 2 "Thousands Attend Christ Embassy Healing School in Lagos – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  6. ↑ Nwonwu, Chiagozie; Tukur, Fauziyya; Alo, Olaronke. "Chris Oyakhilome: Nigerian pastor pushing malaria vaccine conspiracy theories". BBC. BBC Global Disinformation Team. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  7. ↑ Ofcom. "Ofcom Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin" (PDF). Ofcom. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  8. ↑ Man, The New. "Biography of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome". The New Man Movement. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  9. 1 2 Online, Tribune (28 October 2019). "A Biography of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome: The Glorious Life of the Man of God". Tribune Online. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  10. ↑ PASTOR CHRIS REVEALS HOW HIS VICE CHANCELLOR DIDN'T WANT HIM TO ORGANIZE MEETING AT SCHOOL , retrieved 7 February 2023
  11. ↑ "Believer's Loveworld (BLW)". www.leicesterunion.com. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  12. ↑ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Biography: Who Is Christ Embassy Founder and How Old is He Now?". buzznigeria.com. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  13. ↑ News report from Channel 7: https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/christ-embassy-leader-shares-conspiracies-c-3756414. Accessed 24 August 2021.
  14. ↑ "Pastor Chris' Ministrations at IEYC 2015 (Session II)". Loveworldnews.com. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
  15. ↑ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Pastor, Prophet, Evangelist, Nigeria Personality Profiles". nigeriagalleria.com. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  16. ↑ "We attend Pastor Chris' Night of Bliss". DRUM. 16 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  17. 1 2 "Naija News Hub - News, Entertainment, Information & Tips". Naija News Hub. Retrieved 3 May 2017.[ permanent dead link ]
  18. ↑ "Welcome Luncheon at ISM Ministers' Network Conference". Loveworldnews.com. 12 April 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  19. ↑ "KingsChat on Google Play" . Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  20. ↑ "AAU to honour Oyakhilome, others". The Nation Newspaper. 22 April 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  21. ↑ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome pledges N1billion to Nigeria University". Ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  22. ↑ "All about Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's marriage, wife and children". The Guardian . Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  23. ↑ "Anita Oyakhilome Attwaters Jameson Hill Harlow". Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  24. ↑ Nigeria, Guardian (9 April 2023). "The Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Family: His Two Daughters". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  25. ↑ Sunkanmi, Iyanu (6 October 2018). "Beautiful white wedding photos of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's daughter". Kemi Filani News. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  26. ↑ Cocks, Tim (12 October 2014). "Nigeria's 'megachurches': a hidden pillar of Africa's top economy". Reuters. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  27. ↑ "About - InnerCity Mission HQ". The InnerCity Mission.
  28. ↑ "DONATIONS · TRUSTED MARKET FOR HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES" . Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  29. ↑ "Pushaboo". Pushaboo. Archived from the original on 11 April 2020.
  30. ↑ "The Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International Takes the Lead in Humanitarian Efforts Across the African Continent". Nigerian Voice. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  31. ↑ Charities Commission. "Decision: Charity Inquiry: Christ Embassy". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  32. ↑ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Bags BIU Doctorate Degree in Divinity". biu.edu.ng. Benson Idahosa University. 30 October 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  33. ↑ "Pastor Chris Honored with the Prestigious Doctorate Degree". onlineprnews.com. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  34. ↑ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome- Awarded Doctor of Science by Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State. | Bizness Watch". www.biznesswatch.com. Archived from the original on 4 June 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  35. ↑ Content, Branded (7 December 2023). "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the new Chancellor of the prestigious Weldios University". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  36. ↑ "Hundreds share testimonies from virtual healing services with Pastor Chris". P.M. News . Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  37. ↑ Aarni Kuoppamäki (22 May 2017). "Preachers of prosperity: faith as business". DW . Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  38. ↑ Nigeria, Guardian (16 March 2024). "Pastor Chris on prosperity gospel: "It is about how you live your life"". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  39. ↑ Orjinmo, Nduka (8 April 2020). "Nigeria's mega-churches adjust to empty auditoriums". BBC News. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  40. ↑ Silas, Don (1 April 2021). "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome got it wrong, COVID-19 vaccine saves lives - NIFROP". Daily Post Nigeria.
  41. ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67577223
  42. ↑ Hancock, Sam (31 March 2021). "Christian broadcaster fined £125,000 for Covid-19 conspiracies". The Independent.
  43. ↑ "Pastor Chris in maiden Zim trip". NewsDay Zimbabwe. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  44. ↑ "Chris Oyakhilome Biography, Education, Ministry, Networth". Naijabiography Media. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
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