The Mantle Prayer Ministry, popularly known as Oke-Isimi, located in Sagamu, Ogun State, has marked 13 years of existence. Over the years, the ministry has grown from a humble beginning in a wilderness to a thriving spiritual hub, drawing worshippers from across the world. As part of the anniversary celebrations, Prophet Isaac Olaomo, the Founder and President of the ministry, speaks to ADEOLA OGUNLADE on his journey in ministry, the challenges faced, the state of the Church in Nigeria, and his vision for the future.
Mantle Prayer Ministry is 13 years old. How do you feel about this milestone?
I’m excited and deeply grateful to God. What we have today is a testimony of His greatness and mercy. When we started, many thought it was impossible, especially, because we were coming into a wilderness. But God assured us that He would see us through, and today, people from all over the world come here to worship and have their prayers answered.
Looking back, what has been your experience and driving force?
It has been a journey of faith. The beginning was very rough. God told us to take over the land, not just a plot, and today we have six hectares of land. The Word of God has been my driving force. I read, believe, and strive to live by it. Prayer is powerful, but without total dependence on God’s Word, it is incomplete.
When I started, God gave me a specific mandate: to balance the ministry of Apostle Ayo Babalola and Pastor William Kumuyi—combining the power of prayer with the teaching of the Word. Many people preach, but without prayer, the Word does not take deep root in their lives. This is what the early disciples focused on, and I believe it is what the church needs today. “We will give ourselves to prayers and ministry of the word of God,” was the response of the early Apostles when some widows were murmuring about food and other welfare programmes for them.
What is the significance of this 13th-anniversary celebration?
We are celebrating God’s mercy. Everything we have is a product of His grace. Even when people doubted us, God remained faithful. Our 5,000-seater cathedral, still under construction, is a testimony of His provision. I recall when someone told me that this place would become a kidnappers’ den, but I told him, “God did not show me that.” Today, this wilderness has become a city of worship.
What challenges do you face?
My greatest challenge is criticism and slander—even from fellow pastors. Some people claim that I use something beyond the name of Jesus. There was a time when the words of a close friend hurt me deeply, and I even asked my wife if I was unknowingly doing anything wrong. She simply told me, “Move on.”
Another challenge was financial limitations, but God always provided. A spiritual mother in the UK once warned me that her pastor ran away from Sagamu because it was a diabolical place. But I told her, “Who sends you determines your security.” In those days of fear, God gave me a clear revelation in Ezekiel 34:33, which strengthened me.
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We also faced spiritual opposition from diabolical people who tried to threaten us. But God has always proven Himself faithful. We are not led by principles but by instruction. God remains our general overseer.
What advice do you have for young pastors starting out?
There are over 1,000 kinds of callings—some are called by God, some by their gifts, some by people, and some by their bellies. The most important thing is to have a strong relationship with God.
I don’t question people when God calls them and don’t join people to persecute people when they receive the call of God. Don’t join people that fight a ministry because they leave your ministry, it is occultic. You cannot fight for God even if you are not sure of the calling. If God has truly called you, He will sustain you. Titles mean nothing without a divine mantle. If you run after titles, you will die from battles. Stay rooted in the Word, obey divine instructions, and remain faithful to your calling. As a young pastor, do not take delight in castigating the elders openly. Our major task is to win souls for Christ. Any error we see within the body of Christ, we can reach out to the pastors’ concern by writing to them directly or going on our knees which I do often. I lead a ministry, and I know the challenge I experience in managing people, not to mention some of our senior pastors who are managing millions of people. They have paid their dues; we can pray for them and God will answer. The devil is after the Nigerian Church because of our strategic position in global Christianity. We must not lose focus. There will be a crisis in the church in 2025, and hence we must all arise, pray and fight the devil together.
What can the church do about the rise of false teachers?
The Bible has already warned us that in the last days, false prophets will arise, and people will flock to them because they have itching ears (2 Timothy 4:3). These things must happen to fulfill prophecy.
Your dreams for the body of Christ?
My burden for the church is unity because we are divided. In those days, the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa alone confronted witches and wizards in Benin City. Our leaders are not united. It will only take a pastor like Benny Hill or the late Reinhard Bonnke to come and bring our church leaders together. The last time Bonnke visited Nigeria was the last time we saw our leaders coming together. What has happened since then? The problem is that we are fighting for popularity and population. One of the convictions I have is that one of the churches in Nigeria started with the clichés: ‘we are the largest growing church in Africa’ and after that, we have had four other churches saying the same thing. Who is deceiving who? Permit to say that the same people you count in Holy Ghost Service are the same people you see in MFM and Lord’s Chosen. We are not united. We are fighting for positions and denominations. The devil knows that we are divided. The only burden I have is: can the church ever be united like Jesus prayed that they may be one as we are one? I agree with the diversity of doctrine but that notwithstanding. By the grace of God, I will support and celebrate them. The little the ministry has; we will use it in supporting them. One of the ministers we are sending forth is going to the Benin Republic. I told him to wait for me there; that would be my second home. Today, I know some people who were friends from childhood became my enemies because God called me to Sagamu.
What is your take on the economy, and how does it affect the Church?
The economic instability is taking a toll on churches. In Nigeria, people still serve God despite financial hardship. But in some Western nations, things are different. I once preached abroad and after my sermon, I asked the people to pray. But many picked up their bags and left—they were rushing to work. Money has taken center stage. Even in churches today, who are the ones being celebrated? “Yahoo boys.” I have been in churches where a pastor publicly announced a N50 million donation. My first question was, “Who gave it? Is the person born again? What do they do for a living?” In the past, churches would investigate before accepting large donations. Today, as long as it is money, no one asks questions.
After 13 years, what are your future plans?
My top priority is to keep putting God first and making sure the Church stays heaven conscious. Many pastors today deceive people for money. The Church must return to the fear of God. This year, I am going back to my primary calling—working with the youths. God told me in 2006 that the end-time revival will start with young people. Many youths today are lost in crime and internet fraud (Yahoo Yahoo). We must bring them back to Christ. Like Prophet Samuel said before he died, “Let us bring the kingdom back to Israel.” Similarly, we must bring God back to Nigeria. We have seen what happens in America after they removed God from their system. Now, they are facing the consequences.
