By John Dike, Osogbo
General Overseer of Sufficient Grace and Truth International Ministries (SGTIM), Bishop Seun Adeoye, has said that the widespread belief that Nigerian pastors are wealthy is largely false, stressing that the majority of ministers are struggling financially.
The cleric, who also serves as the Acting Nuncio of the World Bishops Council (WBC) in Africa and International Communications Director of the Worldwide Anglican Church (WAC), made the assertion at Okinni, Osun State, during the unveiling of his ministry’s 2026 watchword, themed “Forward Movement.”
According to the him, fewer than two percent of pastors in Nigeria are financially buoyant, contrary to the popular perception that pastors live lavishly on tithes and offerings.
“Yes, some men of God in Nigeria are very rich, but they constitute less than two percent,” he said.
“Even then, their wealth does not necessarily come from tithes and offerings. It is a satanic misconception and an attack on the Church to assume that all pastors are rich.”
He lamented what he described as the growing gap between wealthy church leaders and struggling ministers, accusing some affluent pastors of isolating themselves while ignoring the plight of fellow clergy.
“Unfortunately, many wealthy General Overseers have built high walls around themselves, publicly displaying affluence while thousands of genuine ministers and their families battle hunger and hardship,” he said.
He cited a controversial instance where millions of naira were reportedly donated to a university zoo by a prominent cleric, noting that such generosity could have alleviated the suffering of struggling pastors.
His words, “To the rich pastors, I say: when God raises you, you must look down and lift others. That is the character of Jesus Christ.
“They should revisit the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30–35 and honestly ask themselves how many pastors they have helped outside their own ministries.”
The cleric warned against what he described as an unhealthy culture of exclusivity among wealthy church leaders.
He warned, “In today’s ministry, the rich relate only with the rich. But very soon, I see those walls crumbling and big empires collapsing.
“Some big names will exit the scene in 2026. It will be a major shake-up, and this is a call for them to put their houses in order.”
Bishop Adeoye urged Nigerians and members of his ministry to prepare for 2026, which he described as a year of forward movement and abundant divine blessings.
