Deeper Life Bible Church has demanded the reconstruction of its building demolished in Surelere, Lagos.
It said the demolition was done despite a substantive court order restraining such action.
The property is at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson.
Representatives of the church and Surulere Local Government met last Thursday to resolve the issue.
Church spokesperson, Oghene Alfred, described the discussions as “more of a reconciliatory meeting,” following what he termed a “non-transparent process” that led to the demolition.
“We took exception to the demolition, which did not follow legal procedures,” Alfred said.
“At the end of the meeting, we agreed that the government would get back to us after considering ways forward.”
Legal counsel to the church, Mr. Taiwo Kupolati (SAN), confirmed that the property had served as a place of worship for over 18 years and that the church had obtained a court injunction prior to the demolition.
“Despite the injunction granted under Suit No. YSD/4860LM/24, which expressly restrained any act that would undermine the authority of the court, officials still went ahead with the demolition.
“A shop structure was hastily erected on the site immediately afterwards, which further complicates the matter,” Kupolati stated.
He stressed that the meeting with local authorities aimed to explore avenues for resolution, but insisted that justice must prevail.
Christian Nworgu, who represented the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), noted that the court had ordered the restoration of the demolished church.
“Religious rights must be respected. The court was clear in its ruling to reinstate the church structure,” he said.
A visit by The Nation to the demolition site revealed ongoing construction activities, allegedly by the local government, raising further questions about compliance with judicial directives.
Group Pastor Alani Adesina, who oversees the church’s Yoruba section, recounted the chaos that followed the demolition.
“When they came to bring down the church, we couldn’t even pack our properties. Youths from the area looted everything,” he lamented.
Deeper Life had in a statement on May 29, through its lawyers, Nojim Tairu & Co., condemned what it called “an alarming pattern of hostility” against the church by multiple Lagos State agencies, including the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and Surulere Local Government.
The church warned that such incidents set “a dangerous precedent” and pledged to pursue all legal avenues available.
“These actions threaten the fundamental rights of a faith-based community and set a dangerous precedent.
“We call on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently investigate this trend of intimidation and abuse.
“As an organisation, we have always abided by the laws of the land and contributed to the peace and unity of Lagos,” the statement read.
Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, denied any deliberate targeting of the church.
He said the matter was being reviewed, noting that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration had operated without discrimination.
“The government of Lagos State, under Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has nothing against Deeper Life.
“They are our friends, and we are close to them, so we cannot do anything that will jeopardise their interest,” Omotoso said.
He added that the governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Matters has already begun engagement with church representatives to resolve the dispute.
Nigeria is home to some of the largest and most impressive churches in the world. These churches are not just places of worship; they have become famous landmarks that attract people from all over the world.
With modern buildings that can house thousands of people, Nigerian churches are more than just places to pray. They represent the country’s strong religious faith and rich culture. These churches also show Nigeria’s creativity and innovation with their unique designs and impressive buildings.
Many of these churches are built to accommodate the growing number of Christians in Nigeria. They offer spaces for people to pray, gather for events, and attend conferences.
Their size and beauty reflect the important role that faith plays in the lives of many Nigerians, where millions come together each week to worship and pray.
These churches are also drawing tourists who want to see their amazing designs. Visitors come to Nigeria not only for the religious experience but also to admire the large auditoriums, beautiful decorations, and modern features of these churches.
They are not just places of worship—they are cultural landmarks that show Nigeria’s dedication to creating lasting and beautiful structures.
1. Redemption Camp Arena (RCCG)
Redemption Camp is the headquarters of the RCCG, located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria. This sprawling campus serves as the church’s global center, hosting a wide range of religious events, conferences, and gatherings.
Attendees listen during a “Holy Ghost Service,” a monthly prayer gathering hosted by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), at their sprawling “Redemption Camp” campus on the outskirts of Lagos, Nigeria, September 6, 2013. The auditorium can accommodate a million worshippers.
It is known for its large, modern facilities, including vast auditoriums, prayer grounds, and residential areas for pilgrims. It has a seating capacity of over 12 million people.
The Redemption Camp is particularly famous for its annual events, such as the “Holy Ghost Congress” and the “National Convention,” which attract tens of thousands of worshippers from around the world
Capacity: Over 12 million Location: Along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
2. Hand of God Cathedral (Salvation Ministries)
The Hand of God Cathedral is the main worship center of Salvation Ministries, a prominent Christian megachurch founded by Pastor David Ibiyeomie in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Owned by Pastor David Ibiyeomie, this auditorium is currently under construction and is expected to be one of the largest in the world upon completion
Salvation Ministries, known for its emphasis on teachings of prosperity, healing, and spiritual growth, has grown significantly over the years, with the Hand of God Cathedral serving as the church’s primary place of worship.
The National Temple is the main worship center of The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN), located in Lagos, Nigeria. As the flagship auditorium of the church, it serves as the central hub for worship, spiritual activities, and significant events for members across the nation.
The National Temple reflects the church’s commitment to offering a space for deep spiritual engagement, revival, and fellowship.
The Apostolic Church Nigeria, known for its Pentecostal teachings, emphasizes the baptism of the Holy Spirit, faith in Christ, and living a life of holiness.
The National Temple is a key location for the church’s large-scale events, including annual conventions, conferences, and regular services, which attract worshippers from various parts of Nigeria and beyond.
In addition to being a place of worship, the National Temple plays an essential role in the church’s educational, social, and outreach programs.
These initiatives focus on spreading the gospel, promoting moral values, and providing community services to support the well-being of believers and the larger society.
4. Glory Sanctuary Dome (Dunamis International Gospel Centre)
The Glory Sanctuary Dome is the main auditorium of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, a large and influential Christian megachurch based in Abuja, Nigeria. It is known for its massive size and state-of-the-art facilities, designed to accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers.
The dome serves as the church’s central hub for worship, teaching, and community events, and it reflects the church’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of ministry.
Dunamis International Gospel Centre, led by Dr. Paul Enenche, has grown to become one of Nigeria’s most prominent churches, with a strong emphasis on the power of prayer, deliverance, healing, and prosperity.
Capacity: 100,000 Location: Abuja
5. Faith Tabernacle (Living Faith Church Worldwide)
Faith Tabernacle is the main auditorium of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel, located in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.
It is one of the largest church buildings in the world, with the capacity to seat over 50,000 people. The church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, is known for his dynamic teachings on faith, prosperity, healing, and personal empowerment, all of which are central to the ministry’s message.
Faith Tabernacle is renowned for its impressive size and modern architecture, providing a comfortable and inspiring environment for worshippers. It serves as the venue for major events such as the annual “Shiloh” conference, which draws tens of thousands of attendees from across the globe.
Capacity: 50,000 Location: Ota, Ogun State
6. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries – Prayer City
Prayer City is a major spiritual and conference center located in Lagos, Nigeria, that serves as the headquarters of MFM. The center, known for its expansive grounds and prayer-focused atmosphere, is designed to facilitate powerful prayer sessions, spiritual retreats, and healing services.
It has gained a reputation as a place of deep intercession, deliverance, and miraculous experiences.
Prayer City is renowned for hosting large-scale events, such as the “Power Must Change Hands” prayer meetings, which are held monthly and attract thousands of worshippers seeking spiritual breakthroughs and deliverance.
It is also a destination for various themed conferences and conventions, where participants engage in intense prayer and spiritual activities, often lasting for days.
The ministry, founded by Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, emphasizes the power of prayer, holiness, and spiritual warfare. MFM’s Prayer City serves as an important base for these teachings, where believers gather to receive guidance, deliverance, and healing through prayer.
The site also features amenities for residential stays during these events, providing a retreat-like environment for intense spiritual renewal.
Location: Along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
7. Deeper Life Bible Church Auditorium
The Deeper Life Bible Church Auditorium is the main worship center of Deeper Life Bible Church, a prominent Pentecostal Christian church founded by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi in Nigeria.
The auditorium is located at the church’s international headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria, and is designed to accommodate thousands of worshippers. It serves as the primary venue for the church’s services, conferences, Bible study programs, and special events.
The Deeper Life Bible Church is known for its emphasis on holiness, sound biblical teachings, and deep spiritual growth. The auditorium reflects the church’s focus on creating an environment conducive to worship, prayer, and the study of God’s Word.
It is frequently filled with attendees who come for its powerful services, including the church’s weekly revival programs and the annual Deeper Life Convention.
The church also emphasizes personal transformation through teaching and discipleship, with the auditorium serving as a place for members to gather for spiritual renewal, healing, and growth.
With its large seating capacity, the Deeper Life Bible Church Auditorium plays a crucial role in supporting the church’s mission of reaching and discipling millions, both locally and globally.
The Deeper Life Bible Church is set to host its maiden edition of the “Mega Summit” for young professionals across various professions.
It is part of plans to augment Federal Government’s nation-building efforts.
The summit tagged: “Gaining the edge”, will run concurrently with the graduation ceremony of over 800 young Nigerians, who participated in the third edition of the church’s Skills Acquisition Programme (SAP 3.0) at the main bowl of its auditorium in Gbagada, Lagos on Saturday.
The programme, which is being organised in conjunction with the Young Professionals Forum (YPF) of the ministry, is intended to bring together about 5,000 young adults to discuss salient issues relating to career growth and development, becoming an entrepreneur, growing individual businesses and remaining focused in the midst of the challenges facing the larger society.
The overall goal of the programme is promoting integrity and hard work in their various fields of endeavour.
The YPF Mega Summit is an annual leadership and capacity-building event for young professionals.
It is a rounded programme for the development of the different dimensions of young adults on their way to greatness and becoming responsible leaders in the society.
With this maiden edition, the organisers hope to expose participants to insights that will either help them land their dream job, grow on their current job or build their own business.
“Seasoned speakers with hands-on experience will facilitate on contemporary professional expertise needed to excel in today’s workplace and businesses,” Daniel Bamigbayan, President of the YPF, said.
Speaking ahead of the programme, Bamigbayan said preparations for the event have been in top gear. He also expressed optimism that the programme will reach the target audience in the society.
“In YPF, integrity is our watchword and we intend to inculcate it in our colleagues in the larger society; this programme is the maiden edition and we have specifically invited various reputable speakers from all walks of life with the grand patron, Dr. William Folorunsho Kumuyi, as the chief host,” he said.
On the sidelines of the summit is the graduation of over 800 young Nigerians, who were taught various skills as a way of empowering them to be gainfully employed and also to become employers of labour, thereby assisting government to reduce the spate of unemployment.
The Skills Acquisition Programme (SAP), which started officially in 2018, with training in website design, digital marketing, Laptop & Phone repairs, pastry and mixology, event decoration among others, graduated 365 and 602 beneficiaries in the first and second edition of the programme.
The high-point of the event will be the presentation of certificates of participation to over 800 successful participants of the third edition of the Skill Acquisition Programme.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said that the visit by the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi to the Presidential Villa, Abuja has boosted his morale.
He also noted that God did not make any mistake by creating 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.
In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said “God did not make a mistake when he created over 250 different ethnic groups, and decided to put them in a place called Nigeria,’’
President Buhari said that Nigerians must appreciate God for bringing everyone together.
“We must appreciate God for bringing us together. He knows what he was doing. He didn’t make a mistake,’’ the President noted.
Describing Nigeria as “a great country’’ endowed with human and natural resources, President said: “We have challenges in trying to get people to understand us.
“With my experience as a governor, Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund, I thought I had seen it all, but Nigeria has a way of going at its own speed.
“My morale is raised by your visit. I very much appreciate it.’’ he added
President Buhari recalled what he described as Pastor Kumuyi’s “intellectual achievements’’ as a scholar and university lecturer before going into full time ministry, adding that he was “excited a great deal’’ for the General Superintendent’s acceptance of government’s invitation to preach the sermon at the country’s 58th independence anniversary.
“Thank you very much,’’ the President said.
In his remarks, Pastor Kumuyi, who leads one of the country’s largest Pentecostal churches, said it was an honour to be received by the President on a busy day as October 1.
He told the President that he appreciates the government.
“Please remain focused and courageous and do what is right. Not everyone will support you publicly, but we are praying for you so that your tenure will be one of progress and prosperity for the country.’’
The General Superintendent was accompanied by his wife, Esther, Pastor Samuel Afuwape, Pastor Chike Onwuasoanya and Pastor Seyin Malomo, the Chaplain of Aso Chapel.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Saturday assured Nigerians that his government was working hard to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.
Buhari, who was represented by Deputy Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Chinedu Mafiano, spoke at the 22nd convocation ceremony of the university of Abuja on Saturday.
The General Superintendent, Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi was awarded an Honourable doctorate degree along with the late Ahmadu Bello University’s historian, Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman and Alhj. Dikko Aliyu, for their contributions to nation building.
Kumuyi ( Doctor of Science) Usman (Doctor of Letters) and Aliyu (Doctor of management) joined 7,148 graduands to receive their degrees at the university’s main campus. Felix Jimoh emerged best overall graduating student.
A breakdown of the figures showed that 16 students bagged first class, 507 second class upper division, 3,143 second class lower division, 3,160 third class and 180 students had pass degrees.
President Buhari said: “My government is working hard to reduce the unemployment rates through several programmes and initiatives including the N-power, agriculture, small and medium scale businesses (SMEs), all of which are supported by government guaranteed loan scheme. I encourage you all to key into any of them for national growth and development.
“Government will devote attention to technical and vocational educational training to impact the necessary skills to our youths in a bid to provide the requisite, competent and reliant personnel that can sustain the nation’s economic activities for the required socio-economic transformation.”
He charged Nigerian universities to continue to partner governments at all levels in order to build a thriving economy.
“The Nigerian university system must continue to be partners in progress with governments at all levels. My administration recognizes that interdependency and professionals are the drivers of a thriving economy.
“If we must keep up with this global trend, education must be given its right place. My government is determined to continue to improve access to quality in our educational system.
“Consequently, infrastructure, teachers development, curriculum relevance, funding and planning will continue to receive a boost with the resolve that they will facilitate the desired change in sociology-economic, political, and technological sectors,” Buhari added.
Pastor Kumuyi, in his address, said the awardees would continue to contribute their quota to the development of the university.
He charged the graduating students to use the knowledge they have acquired to help transform the country into a global economic power.
He said: “Nigeria has many opportunities despite the challenges we face as a nation today. You must be determined to use the knowledge that you have gained at this university to help transform our nation into the global economic powerhouse that it is destined to be.
“All hands should be joined together to provide lacking structures and indispensable facilities required for academic excellence. We must focus on our vision and have faith. With our belief, ambition, determination and the fear of God, we can make university of Abuja better,” Kumuyi, said.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Michael Adikwu, noted that there had been much improvement in the activities of the university as seen in staff training and development of infrastructures.
He urged the graduands to rise up to the socio-economic challenges that the country currently faces by being creative.
He appealed to Buhari for more funds, noting that the institution still lacked adequate funding to complete crucial projects .
Prof. Adikwu said: “At this convocation, the university will be graduating a total of 7, 148 made up of 16 first class graduands in the first degree category, 507 second class upper division, 3,143 second class lower division, 3, 160 will pass out with third class while 180 of the graduands have pass degrees.
“A total of 242 higher degree graduands, made up of 91 Postgraduate Diploma holders, 78 Masters Degrees and 73 with Doctorate Degrees. We congratulate them.”
Renowned preacher and the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Christian Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has declared that the wealth hidden in the land of Ebonyi State would henceforth flow out for the economic well-being of the people.
Kumuyi, who was in Abakaliki for a one-day Bible Study/prayer programme organised by the church, on Monday described Ebonyi as a state bestowed with abundant natural resources.
He admonished the people of the state to refrain from sin in order to overcome their economic challenges as it is only through this way that the blessings of God will be made manifest to them.
The cleric, according to a statement by Umahi’s Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, offered special prayers for the governor and his family, the state Executive Council members and the entire state.
Earlier, Governor Umahi had described Kumuyi’s visit as a huge blessing to the people of the state.
He said, “By your coming here sir,our suffering has ended. I thank God Almighty who brought you at a time we needed you most.
“We don’t have much to say but we want you to know that we are very expectant. We have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible tells us that when God calls a man, he enables him. And we are confident that you are going to bring huge blessing to each and every one of us.
“I know that our state is going to be richly blessed through you.”
The event was attended also by the wife of the governor, Rachel Umahi; Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru; members of the State Executive Council and other top government functionaries.
The Deeper Life Bible Church has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible general elections next year.
The church advised politicians to play the game according to the rules and not to engage in any act to subvert the will of the electorate.
The Ekiti State Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Jacob Asubiojo, made the appeal on Tuesday at a briefing on the forthcoming visit of the General Superintendent, Pastor William Kumuyi, to the state.
Kumuyi is expected to arrive Ado-Ekiti on December 24 for a three-day crusade tagged “Extraordinary Encounter with the God of Miracles” at the Deeper Life camp ground in Ajebamidele.
The state overseer said participants would pray for Nigeria to overcome its socio-political problems.
According to him, holy and honest living could help Nigerians overcome the corruption monster, which he described as more devouring than the Ebola virus.
The church leader emphasised that the antidote against calamities and crises befalling the country could be found in the gospel.
He stressed that the prevailing insecurity and insurgency in some parts of the country could be overcome with prayers and supplication to God.
Asubiojo urged stakeholders to ensure the conduct of a peaceful, transparent, free and fair election in 2015.
Responding to questions from reporters, the cleric said the conduct of a transparent election would guarantee peace and prevent post-election crises.
He urged Nigerians not to allow religious affiliation to becloud their sense of judgment as they elect candidates into various political offices stressing that the country needed God-fearing leaders.
Asubiojo said: “INEC must be fair and keep to the rules that govern electoral process. Once there is fairness, openness and transparency, everybody will accept the outcome and there will be peace.
“To help INEC and Nigerians, politicians too must obey the rules. They must not heat up the polity over election if truly they are desirous of serving the people.”
Speaking on the qualities a leader must possess to be able to deliver, the cleric added that “Nigeria has so many religions but these have not met the needs of the people.
He added: “But with this programme, many Nigerians would have their lives changed and transformed for better, because for a society to produce good leaders who can transform a whole nation, such person must first be transformed.
“What we believe in is prayer as weapons that can transform the lives of the people and not religion that had failed us as a nation. Our people must not continue in wretchedness and backwardness.”
The General Superin-tendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has tasked Christians to continue looking up to Jesus as the surest refuge against life challenges.
He spoke at the just- concluded annual Easter Retreat of the church with the theme: “Wonders of the cross and special touch of miracle”.
The retreat held simultaneously in every state in Nigeria and virtually all Africa countries, including Europe and Latin America.
Kumuyi noted that the beauty of Easter was the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for humanity, which facilitated a great power to save, heal and prepare believers for heaven.
He said that the resurrection power of Jesus delivers from the corruption of sin into a new life of godliness and glory.
The holiness preacher challenged Nigerians to put their trust in God.
He said: “We can only become beneficiaries of Christ’s victory, healing, dominion and success in a world of crises when we repent of our sins and look up to Jesus who has the power to solve all the problems of mankind.”
He urged participants to exhibit the virtue of endurance as there is always a price to pay for every achiever in life.
On challenges facing Nigeria, he assured the nation will overcome.
“We have passed through these testing times before and we overcame. We must lessen our negative sides and play down our perceived differences,” he stressed.
Nigerians have been advised to continue to put their hope and confident is God in the face of increasing socio-economic challenges in the country.
This was the focus of the just concluded annual Deeper Life Bible Church, 2012 December Retreat held recently at the Deeper Life Conference Centre, Lagos-Ibadan expressway on the theme: “Receiving All round Security in Christ”.
The programme started penultimate Thursday had thousands of Christian’s faithful from parts of Lagos State including Ikorudu, Epe and Badagry. The retreat also was held simultaneously in every state in Nigeria and virtually all the Africa countries, including Europe and Latin America.
There were 14 heart rendering messages with two sessions of Bible study. Messages included: Reproducing Christ’s victory in believers: the believers power of a conqueror’s purity: wining the conqueror’s crown and Militants Overcomers in the triumphant church among others.
In his sermon, Pastor Kumuyi said that Nigerians should keep their hope alive in God as 2013 is a year of blessings, victory, testmonies, sucess and delliverance for God’s people.
Kumuyi reminded the participants to exhibit the virtue of endurance as there is always a price to pay for every achiever in Life “there is a cross to bear and different challenges to face which must be endure. We must persevere in holiness as heavenly citizens to be able to inherit all things Christ has prepared for us there”.
While commenting on the current national issues, he said “while we battle with the ever growing problem of unemployment, underfunded educational institutions, increase in crime rate and various form of ethno-religious violence, we must not lose hope as God is still able to turn things around for good for us.
He pointed out in the scripture “righteousness exalts a nation and sin is a reproach to any people” added that no nation can ever surmount its challenges without acknowledging God and His desire in the scheme of things.
The cleric asserted that Nigeria shall overcome. We have passed through this testing tie before and we overcame. As we lessen our negative sides and play down our perceived difference, wise counsel and the real propagators of violence will be indentified and apprehended.
The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has challenged artistes to produce works that will make the society better.
He spoke at an outreach for Yoruba-speaking film makers, musicians, marketers and other theatre practitioners in the Southwest.
No fewer than 500 artistes attended the meeting, which held at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
Kumuyi, represented by Head of the church’s Yoruba section, Pastor Rufus Bamigbayan, reminded the artistes they would render account of their deeds to God.
According to him, their influence could be more powerful than that of kings as their messages reach larger audiences in farther places.
The cleric charged them to shun vices and beware of the sources of inspiration for their works.
Kumuyi urged them to eschew pride and arrogance which fame can bring.
He spoke against piracy, saying it is sinful.
The respected holiness preacher begged those involved in the act to repent.
On why the programme was organised, Kumuyi told journalists: “Musicians, for instance, wield influence on the society but there is the danger of them misusing their talent.
‘’But if you get a musician converted to Christianity, he will render music positively and will affect society likewise.”
He said through the programme, a “seed” has been sown into their lives, adding that the “total gospel” the artistes heard could lead to the formation of a “total man.”
The church had held a similar session for traditional rulers.
