The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Adefarasin

  • Adefarasin denies genocide claims, questions US motives in Nigeria

    Adefarasin denies genocide claims, questions US motives in Nigeria

    Senior Pastor of Guiding Light Assembly (GLA) Lagos Wale Adefarasin has challenged the United States’ recent concerns for Christians in Nigeria, stating that economic interests rather than human rights may underlie their stance.

    In a sermon on Sunday and circulated widely online Monday, Adefarasin told his congregation that violence against Christians in northern Nigeria has persisted for decades and does not amount to genocide, contrary to some Western portrayals.

    He said: “For 40 years that I have been a Christian, there have been killings in southern Kaduna, killings on the Plateau, there have been riots.

    “Sometimes, I think it was in France, an image of Prophet Muhammad was defaced. Who remembers that? And as a result of that, there were killings of Christians in Nigeria.

    “And so, it’s nothing new. It doesn’t amount to genocide. The way the West are talking about it, it’s as if if a Christian steps on the street, his head will be blown off,” he said.

    His comments responded directly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern for religious freedom violations and threats of military action if the government fails to protect Christians.

    Read Also: Pastor Adefarasin unveils 20th edition of ‘The Experience’

    Adefarasin questioned whether America’s newfound focus on Nigerian Christians is tied to the country’s reduced reliance on exporting crude oil or to its deposits of minerals essential for electric vehicles and nuclear energy.

    “I’m trying to understand this sudden love for Christians. Is it because we now have one of the largest refineries in the world, and no longer have to ship raw materials abroad and bring the finished products?

    “Or is it because of the 21st century minerals that we now have in our earth, that are used to generate nuclear power for electric vehicles? Are those the reasons that our friends are threatening to invade our country to defend and protect Nigerian Christians?” he asked.

    The Federal Government has rejected Trump’s narrative, with President Bola Tinubu asserting that the constitution upholds religious freedom and that national policy prioritises interfaith harmony.

  • Pastor Adefarasin unveils 20th edition of ‘The Experience’

    Pastor Adefarasin unveils 20th edition of ‘The Experience’

    Founder and Senior Pastor of House On The Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, has announced the 20th edition of ‘The Experience’, the globally renowned free all-night Gospel music concert.

    Marking two decades of Jesus-centered praise, prayer, and global witness, Adefarasin urged fans to join in prayers as preparations intensify.

    He revealed that this year’s edition will be unique, with a major Kingdom project set to be unveiled alongside the concert.

    To commemorate the milestone, an album featuring some of the world’s most celebrated gospel artists is also in the works.

    He wrote on Instagram, “Friends, the countdown to The Experience 20 has begun—twenty years of Jesus-centred praise, prayer and global witness. Please pray with us and for us as we prepare.

    Read Also: Police clear Pastor Adefarasin over viral gun video

    “This year, we’re also birthing a major Kingdom project. Get ready. Watch the announcement in the video. To God be the glory. TE20 is important to use, it is 20 years, we’re putting together an album”.

    The Experience has grown into one of the world’s largest gospel concerts, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees and millions of online viewers.

    Past events have featured notable gospel artists, and this year’s edition is expected to be an unforgettable experience of soul-stirring music and spiritual connection.

  • Police interrogate Adefarasin over ‘illegal’ possession of weapon, driving unlicenced vehicle

    Police interrogate Adefarasin over ‘illegal’ possession of weapon, driving unlicenced vehicle

    For over five hours yesterday, detectives at the Lagos State Police Command quizzed fiery preacher and founder of the House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, over allegations that he pointed a pistol to another road user in a feat of anger, drove an unlicenced vehicle and alleged unlawful possession of firearm.

    His interrogation followed his voluntary submission to the police around 11:30am after an invitation was extended to him with respect to a viral video penultimate week that showed him pointing a pistol-like object at a pedestrian later identified as a car spotter/content creator.

    However, Adefarasin had denied pointing a firearm at the road user, telling his congregants at a church service last Sunday that he neither held a gun nor pointed one at the individual.

    According to him, the allegations against him were the handiwork of people controlled by the spirit of Mammon whose intent is to generate traffic and make more money.

    Public outrage however followed both the video and his rebuttal with many Nigerians calling on the police to arrest the pastor, investigate if he had license to bear weapons and look into the entire scenario that played out.

    READ ALSO: Why it is hard to remarry after Ibidunni’s death – Ituah Ighodalo

    From the video, the content creator who seemed fascinated by the pastor’s luxury vehicle could be heard hailing the driver as he advanced towards the vehicle while an escort vehicle was seen advancing towards the right side of Adefarasin’s car.

    The pastor subsequently wound down, raised the hand with an object and spoke to the car spotter briefly before zooming off.

    Condemning his action, many Nigerians wondered why he threatened the man who, they claimed was not close to his vehicle.

    Others called on the police to invite him for questioning to ascertain if he had licence to carry firearms or light weapons and whether it was legal for him to have acted in the manner he did.

    But there were yet others who in the pastor’s defence, said he might have reacted that way as a result of incidences of traffic robbery on Lagos roads which might have triggered his defences when he most likely saw someone advancing towards his vehicle from his mirrors.

    Following public reaction on the incident, the police, it was gathered extended an invitation to Adefarasin, who arrived the command at 11:30am and was still bring questioned at about 5pm.

    Confirming the development, spokesman for the Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the outcome would be made public.

    He added that no one was above the law, confirming that the pastor submitted himself to the police for questioning.

    “No one is above the law!Pastor Paul Adefarasin has turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja and is currently being interrogated by detectives who have commenced investigation on the case since a video surfaced online showing the pastor holding a gun-like object against another road user, while driving in an unregistered vehicle.

    “The outcome of the investigation will be made public,” said Hundeyin.

  • UPDATED: Police interrogate Adefarasin over ‘illegal’ possession of weapon, driving unlicensed vehicle

    UPDATED: Police interrogate Adefarasin over ‘illegal’ possession of weapon, driving unlicensed vehicle

    For over five hours on Tuesday, detectives at the Lagos State Police Command quizzed fiery preacher and founder of the House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, over allegations that he pointed a pistol to another road user in a fit of anger, drove an unlicensed vehicle and was unlawfully in possession of firearm.

    His interrogation followed his voluntary submission to the police around 11:30 am after an invitation was extended to him concerning a viral video penultimate week, that showed him pointing a pistol-like object at a pedestrian later identified as a car spotter/content creator.

    However, Adefarasin had denied pointing a firearm at the road user, telling his congregants at a church service last Sunday that he neither held a gun nor pointed one at the individual.

    According to him, the allegations against him were the handiwork of people controlled by the spirit of Mammon, whose intent is to generate traffic and make more money.

    Public outrage, however, followed both the video and his rebuttal, with many Nigerians calling on the police to arrest the pastor, investigate if he had a license to bear weapons and look into the entire scenario that played out.

    From the video, the content creator who seemed fascinated by the pastor’s luxury vehicle could be heard hailing the driver as he advanced towards the vehicle, while an escort vehicle was seen advancing towards the right side of Adefarasin’s car.

    The pastor subsequently wound down, raised his hand with an object and spoke to the car spotter briefly before zooming off.

    Condemning his action, many Nigerians wondered why he threatened the man who, they claimed, was not close to his vehicle.

    Others called on the police to invite him for questioning to ascertain if he had a licence to carry firearms or light weapons and whether it was legal for him to have acted in the manner he did.

    But there were yet others who in the pastor’s defence, said he might have reacted that way as a result of incidences of traffic robbery on Lagos roads which might have triggered his defences when he most likely saw someone advancing towards his vehicle from his mirrors.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Pastor Paul Adefarasin turns self in at Lagos Police HQ

    Following public reaction to the incident, the police, it was gathered, extended an invitation to Adefarasin, who arrived at the command at 11:30 am and was still being questioned at about 5 pm.

    Confirming the development, spokesman for the Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the outcome would be made public.

    He added that no one was above the law, confirming that the pastor submitted himself to the police for questioning.

    “No one is above the law! Pastor Paul Adefarasin has turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja and is currently being interrogated by detectives who have commenced investigation on the case since a video surfaced online showing the pastor holding a gun-like object against another road user, while driving in an unregistered vehicle.

    “The outcome of the investigation will be made public,” said Hundeyin.

  • Adefarasin, Ighodalo others for parenting conference

    In its bid towards raising a generation of socially responsible youths that are purpose-driven for engineer changes, the

    Breach Repairer Foundation is organising a one-day National Parenting Conference with the theme critical rescue.

    The convener, Pastor Nduka Kingsley, explained the emerging challenges in parenting the 21st century child demand stakeholders collaborate in dealing with the dysfunctional character trends amongst youths.

    He lamented vices such as substance abuse, same sex relationship and other forms of addiction are reported among youths on a daily basis.

    “It is also painful to note that defined boundaries by parents are being challenged by the 21st century youths with values placed on family identities (the hallmark of parenting in the olden days) being ignored.

    “The cry today is on getting to the top by all means without due process,” he stated.

    Kingsley called for closer attention to purposeful parenting, which he said must embrace discipline by all.

    Chairman of Breach Repairer Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, said the Conference is timely because the challenges of bringing up children in our society are serious.

    “Parents hardly have time for their children, sexual education is lacking, a lot of these children are on drugs.

    “The fear of God is no longer there, there is lack of ethical and moral values, there is therefore the need for us as parents to ensure that there is compass for the children,” Ighodalo explained.

    The conference is slated for 12th May at Guiding Light Assembly, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Speakers at the conference include: Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunke Amosun, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Pastor Wale Adefarasin, Pastor Mrs Clara Dania and Mrs. Nkiru Ifekwem, among others.

  • Adelakun, Adefarasin, Oke, others for leadership conference

    Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Oyo State branch, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, associate pastor of Guiding Light Assembly Olaolu Adefarasin and Dr. Victoria Oke of Sword of the Spirit Ministries are some of the ministers slated for the annual End Time World Leadership Holy Ghost Conference.

    Gospel artiste Tope Alabi and Apostle Dwan Jackson from USA will also minister at the conference.

    It holds from March 7-10 at Faith Plaza behind CMS Grammar School Bariga Lagos with the theme Occupy till I come.

    The convener, Dr. Adewale Adeyeye, said the focus of the conference is “raising men and women for end-time revival and harvest of souls”.

    He stated that registration, accommodation and feeding will be free for all participants.

  • Ambode praises Adefarasin for donations to schools at The Experience

    Ambode praises Adefarasin for donations to schools at The Experience

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has commended House on The Rock Church for donation of ICT infrastructure to 100 schools in the state.

    He said the furnishing of 100 secondary schools across Lagos State with modern, fully equipped, air conditioned, functional Computer Laboratories by the church was worthy of emulation.

    The governor spoke at the weekend during the 2017 edition of The Experience concert at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

    Ambode, in his goodwill message, commended the idea of the concert, saying it had continued to attract people from all walks of life, different faiths and socio-political persuasions in the last 12 years.

    The concert, he added, has dismantled the barriers of political affiliation, ethnic origin and doctrinal differences through unhindered expression of faith through music and engendering a legacy of love, peace and unity.

    He also lauded Presiding Pastor of the House On The Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, for his various humanitarian interventions and corporate social responsibilities in the State, saying that it was a testament to his leadership qualities.

    “You have shown leadership and a spirit of excellence which has seen House On The Rock engage in several nation-building activities across the country, particularly in Lagos State.

    “Your contributions to interreligious dialogue, empowerment of the youth, social reformation and health care continue to positively impact the citizens of this state and on behalf of the people of Lagos State, we thank you,” the governor said.

    Ambode said the state was firmly on track to becoming a globally-competitive, dynamic and sustainable megacity, however stressing that it would require the cooperation and contribution of all and sundry for the state to realise its full potentials.

    He said concerted effort would be required to sustain the developmental strides the state has recorded in the last 50 years and ensure that the future of the state is secured.

    The governor said: “Young and old, male and female, student and teacher, employer and employee. We must all rise to the challenge understanding that collectively, we can make this happen!

    “We must be the change agents who will deliver a deliberately developed Lagos State to be bequeathed to future generations.”

    Stressing that the interests of Nigeria could not be determined along religious, political, ethnic or social lines, Ambode said that leaders in the country must rise to their responsibilities, put the nation first and determine what  is  just  and  equitable  for   all Nigerians.

    Adefarasin, while presenting the handover certificate for the ICT infrastructure donated to the Lagos State education system by the Church to Ambode, said he (Governor) has produced new levels of development in the State.

    “It gives me great pleasure to present this certificate to the chaplain of nation building, the action Governor in Nigeria, one who we are very proud to call our own.

    “We are hopeful that we would do more partnership with your government to help bridge the divide to give more kids the opportunity to excel and be part of nation building,” Adefarasin said.

  • Businessman accuses Adefarasin of contempt

    A businessman, Gerald Chukwueke, and four others have urged the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, to jail House on the Rock Pastor Paul Adefarasin for alleged contempt.

    They claimed that the cleric disobeyed the order of Justice Adebisi Akinlade of the Lagos High Court restraining him and his church from trespassing on a land in Lekki.

    The other applicants are Chinelo Chukwueke, Mrs. Martha Chukwueke, Germaine Logistics Limited & Germaine Auto Centre Limited.

    Adefarasin and the Incorporated Trustees of the Rock Foundation are the respondents.

    Justice Akinlade, on March 17, 2016 granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants from tampering with any structure on plots 15, 16, 17 and 18 at No. 188 Ikate, Lekki, Lagos.

    On April 7, 2016, the judge ordered the parties to maintain the status quo, pending the hearing of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

    But in a July 11, 2017 motion on notice, the claimants, through their counsel, Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN), alleged that the respondents breached the high court’s order.

    They said the respondents, in disobedience of the order, obtained a demolition permit from the Lagos State Government to demolish the structures on the disputed land.

    The claimants also stated that on July 7, the defendants together with armed policemen, soldiers and bulldozers, unlawfully began the demolition of the structures.

    They are praying for an order restraining Adefarasin and his church “from demolishing, constructing and or redeveloping the disputed land in any manner whatsoever”, pending the determination of the appeal.

    They are also seeking an order that the respondents should reinstate/restore the premises to the state it was on April 7, 2016 when the high court ordered that the status quo as at March 18, 2016 be maintained.

  • Adefarasin, church to maintain status quo

    Adefarasin, church to maintain status quo

    A Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere yesterday renewed its order restraining Pastor Paul Adefarasin and his church, House on the Rock, from taking action concerning parcels of land whose ownership is disputed by businessman, Gerald Chukwueke.

    Justice Adebisi Akinlade ordered the parties to maintain the status quo of March 15, when the defendants were served with the processes in the suit, pending the hearing of an interlocutory application filed by the claimants.

    Chukwueke and four others filed an N800million suit against Adefarasin  for allegedly trespassing on their land in Ikate, Lekki, Lagos.

    They claimed that the pastor and the church converted some of the land to build the church cathedral at Lekki Fourth Roundabout, Lagos.

    Justice Akinlade on March 17 restrained the defendants, “their servants, agents or privies from demolishing or removing any structure whatsoever, be they temporary or permanent on the claimants’ premises located at plots 15, 16, 17 and 18 located at 188 Ikate, Lekki, Lagos.”

    The court also barred the defendants from beginning any development, construction, building or erecting any structure whether temporary or permanent  on the land.

    At the resumed hearing yesterday, the claimants’ counsel, Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN), told the court that he had served all the defendants with the processes in the matter.

    Onigbanjo said: “The defendants have filed a counter affidavit to our motion on notice and an application to strike out the name of the first defendant has also been filed, which we have responded to.”

    The defence lawyer, Gabriel Uduafi, agreed with the position of the claimants’ lawyer but said he would file the statement of defence before the expiration of the 42 days allowed by law.

    Before the judge adjourned , the claimants’ counsel urged the court to renew its earlier order restraining the defendants by directing parties to maintain status quo.

    He argued that it would be in the interest of justice for the court to grant his request so that the subject matter could be preserved.

    The application was opposed by Uduafi, who countered that his clients had  taken possession of the land with a valid registered title.

    In a short ruling, Justice Akinlade overruled Uduafi, and ordered parties to maintain status quo pending the hearing of the interlocutory application.

    The suit was adjourned till June 2 for mention.

  • How youths can save Africa, by Adefarasin

    Youths in Africa must task their minds to work out solutions to the myriad of challenges facing the continent, the Global Advisory Board Member of African Diaspora Nation Organisation, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, has declared.

    Adefarasin spoke at the launching of the organization in Lagos that attracted over 180 aspiring change agents, civil society groups, captains of industry and religious leaders.

    He said the liberation of Africa lies with young minds.

    The popular preacher urged African youths to reconcile, organise, mobilise, educate and rebuild their fatherland as no one could do it better than them.

    He stressed that young people and civil society groups are the changes Africa has been waiting for, urging them to spearhead efforts to save the continent.

    Founder of the organisation, Kwabena Boateng, said it was established to serve as a guiding light for renaissance in the global African community.

    He said: “We need to identify the strongholds and dividing walls that inhibit meaningful connections between various constituencies of the global African community.

    ‘’We must not only identify the mental strong holds dividing walls but tears them down.”