The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Lagos is on the verge of a significant transition as the Founding Pastor of Global Impact Churches, Rev Yemi Davids, prepares to be inaugurated as the new Chairman. The mood within the Fellowship is a mix of optimism and underlying tension. The inauguration, scheduled for August 31st, will also see the induction of other key leaders, including Rev Janet Onaolapo as Vice Chairman.
However, despite the formalities, the road ahead for Rev Davids is fraught with challenges that threaten to overshadow his tenure.
Contentious election
The election that brought Rev Davids to this pivotal position was anything but smooth. His victory followed the annulment of the February 2024 election, which initially declared Rev Toyin Kehinde as the winner. This decision, overseen by PFN’s National President, His Eminence Bishop Dr. Wale Oke, has left several stakeholders disgruntled. Many within the PFN view Davids as an outsider, a leader imposed upon them rather than chosen through a fair process. This dissatisfaction has led to the formation of a new faction within the PFN, with plans to launch an alternative platform to challenge the existing leadership in Lagos.
Internal divisions and threat of schism
The tension within the Lagos PFN is palpable. Some leaders feel alienated, believing that Davids’ emergence as Chairman was orchestrated by a select few, bypassing the Fellowship’s broader consensus. The new faction, comprising some of these discontented leaders, is expected to launch in the coming months, potentially deepening the divisions within the Fellowship.
A source from one of the Directorates in the PFN Family said that the stakeholders in the Lagos PFN are still in shock at the role played by the National President of PFN, Wale Oke in the election of the new chairman in the state. The annulment of the first election that produced Rev Toyin Kehinde, and which was supervised by the former Southwest Chairman of PFN, Archbishop Oke is still a surprise.
A source from one of the directorates in the PFN family told The Nation that one of the contestants in the last election was not aggrieved with the PFN “Let me be honest with you. His grievance is not to the PFN as a body. I believe his grievance is towards a particular father who encouraged him to pick up the form, maybe he would not have contested. But somebody encouraged him to go ahead. So, that’s it. But I feel that this godfather that we are talking about should not continue in the body of Christ.”
The source urged the newly elected leader of the fellowship to extend his hands of fellowship to the leaders of the PFN Family in Lagos, as some of the leaders will exhibit the sit-down look syndrome. A new group had been formed already and some of the leaders in the PFN are part of the board. They are waiting to launch the group in the next two to three months. Several influential voices within the PFN have expressed their hopes on Davids’ success, while also cautioning him about the complexities of his new role.
Speaking with the Presiding Bishop, City Gate International Churches, and former Chairman of PFN Bauchi State, Bishop Dr. Robertson Ugar Akwazi, he said that the PFN is a family and whatever happens now or before is a family affair, God in His Infinite mercies at this time, decided that Rev Yemi Davis becomes the Chairman of Lagos PFN.
Also, The General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission, (The Happy Family), Bishop Charles Ighele, said “I normally advise ministers of the gospel of the Kingdom of God to always have 1st Corinthians 10:23 on their minds. It says that “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient. All things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” We should stop fighting for our rights when it is capable of bringing bad publicity to the Church of Jesus Christ.”
He stated further that, “With highly experienced servants of God like Dr. Jane Onaolapo on the new executive of the Lagos State arm of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, I think that all shall be well.”
One of the primary issues Davids must address is the apathy among many members towards the Fellowship and its activities. To overcome this, he needs to devise a strategy that unites the PFN, heals internal divisions, ensures transparency in leadership, and strengthens both financial management and membership engagement.
Ighele urged the new executives to prioritize what is beneficial for the Church over personal rights and disputes, saying, “I appeal to all who feel pained and those who feel victorious to forgive and forget. Lagos plays such a vital role in the whole world as far as spiritual matters are concerned that a highly spiritual, but earthly relevant PFN is needed at times like this. I appeal to the new leadership of PFN in Lagos State to carry the grassroots pastors and all other pillars of the Church along. I think the new president is a wise man and should therefore know what to do. I want the new executive to succeed, and I pray they succeed”.
Bishop Robinson emphasized the importance of integrity and the fear of God in leadership, saying, “My advice to him therefore is to lead and carry everyone along irrespective of previous views, opinions or support. PFN remains a family bigger than tribal sentiment. He must therefore be seen as a chairman of all and a leader of all who lead without fear or favour.
“He must work to bring everyone to a united and strong Lagos PFN, he should see his election and elevation which was conducted by one of the fathers of faith, Archbishop- Elect Dr Emmah Isong, a man of integrity and full of wisdom, National Publicity Secretary of the PFN.
He said further, “Without doubt, we know that his election is an act of God at this season. May I use this opportunity to call on our fathers, leaders, and brothers in Lagos PFN to give him a hand of fellowship and support, to enable him to take the PFN Lagos to a higher level with fresh insight and God’s wisdom, as I advise him to work with all irrespective of their previous standing, we must understand that a victory for one is a victory for all and a fall for one is a fall for all congratulations Lagos PFN,” he said.
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Challenges ahead
Unity and inclusivity for Rev Davids, the path forward is clear yet challenging. His primary task will be to mend the fractured fellowship, addressing the grievances of those who feel marginalized. This will require a leadership style that prioritizes unity, love, and inclusivity—values that several senior church leaders have publicly urged him to uphold.
The outgoing Chairman, Rev Enyinnaya Okwuonu, had struggled to maintain the Fellowship’s influence during his tenure, which was marked by a lack of visibility and effectiveness. Now, Rev Davids must not only revitalize the PFN’s public image but also ensure that the Fellowship’s internal politics do not derail its mission.”
Watchful eye
As Rev Davids assumes the mantle of leadership, all eyes within the PFN are on him. His ability to navigate the complex web of internal politics, address the grievances of aggrieved members, and promote a culture of unity and inclusivity will determine the success of his tenure. The stakes are high, and the future of the Lagos PFN hangs in the balance.
In the coming months, the actions of Rev Davids and his administration will be closely watched. Will he be able to settle the rifts within the fellowship and steer it towards a more unified and prosperous future? Or will the internal divisions deepen, leading to a potential schism that could alter the landscape of Pentecostalism in Lagos? Only time will tell.
