Former presidential candidate and Shepherd Superintendent of the Household of God Church, Rev Chris Okotie, has reacted to the ongoing coalition moves and political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a terse statement on Wednesday, the preacher said: “The political pendulum now swings within the axis of permutation and punditry. The set alarm will trigger an unprecedented frenzy that culminates in stupefying bedlam!”
Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) was battling yesterday to assure its members that all will be well after its candidates’ names were omitted from the list of those who will run in the general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the final list of candidates for the February 16 National Assembly polls. No candidates were listed for the APC in Rivers.
The party has been embroiled in internal crises leading to the disqualification of its candidates, following its failure to conduct acceptable primaries.
APC presidential candidate President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lead other 71 presidential candidates.
The others are: Ositelu Isaac Babatunde (Accord); Abdulrashid Hassan Baba (Action Alliance); Omoyele Sowore (AAC); Chike Ukaegbu (AAP); Shipi Moses Godia (ABP); Nwokeafor Ikechukwu Ndubuisi (ACD); Ezekwesili Obiageli Katryn (ACPN); Mailafia Obadiah (ADC); Yabagi Sani Yusuf (ADP); Nwachukwu Chuks Nwabuikwu (AGA); Umenwa Godwin (AGAP);
Obaje Yusufu Ameh (ANDP) and Durotoye Adetokunbo Olufela (ANN).
There are also: Shittu Moshood Asiwaju (ANP); Fasua Tope Kolade (ANRP); Ibrahim Aliyu Hassan (APA); President Buhari (APC); Shitu Mohammed Kabir (APDA); Gbor John Wilson Terwase (APGA); Yusuf Mamman Dantalle (APM);
Obinna Uchechukwu Ikeagwuonu (APP); Dara John (ASD); Angela Johnson (AUN); David Esosa Ize-Iyamu (BNPP); Ojinika Geff Chizee (C4C); Abah Lewis Elaigwu (CAP); Etim Emmanuel Ishie (CNP); Ukonga Frank (DA); Awosola Williams Olusola (DPC) and Osakwe Felix Johnson (DPP).
Others are: Dr Onwubuya (FJP); Okotie Christopher Oghenebrorie (FRESH); Akhimien Davidson Isibor (GDPN); Eke Samuel Chukwuma (GPN); Albert Owuru Ambrose (HDP); Madu Nnamdi Edozie (ID); Chukwu-Eguzolugo Sunday Chikendu (JMPP) and Fagbenro-Byron Samuel Adesina (KP).
Also on the list are: Kriz David (LM); Muhammed Usman Zaki (LP); Adesanya-Davies Mercy Olufunmilayo (MAJA) Bashayi Isa Dansarki (MMN); santuraki hamisu (MPN);
Rabia Yasai Hassan Cengiz (NAC); Ademola Babatunde Abidemi (NCMP); Salisu Yunusa Tanko (NCP); A. Edosomwan Johnson (NDCP); Akpua Robinson (NDLP); Ishaka Paul Ofemile (NEPP); Asukwo Mendie Archibong (NFD); Atuejide Eunice Uche Julian (NIP); Ike Keke (NNPP); Maina Maimuna Kyari (NPC); Ibrahim Usman (NRM); Moses Ayibiowu (NUP); Felix Nicolas (PCP); Abubakar Atiku (PDP) and Ameh Peter Ojonugwa (PPA).
They include: Victor Okhai (PPC); MAJOR HAMZA AL MUSTAFA (PPN); Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim (PT); Israel Nonyerem Davidson (RAP); Osuala Chukwudi John Kennedy (RBNP); Nsehe Nseobong (RP); Da-Silva Thomas Ayo (SNC); Ahmed Buhari (SNP); Balogun Isiaka Ishola (UDP); Mark Emmanuel Audu (UP); Inwa Ahmed Sakil (UPN); Nwangwu Uchenna Peter (WTPN); Ali Soyode M. (YES) and Moghalu Kingsley Bosah Chiedu (YPP).
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was, however, omitted following the legal tussle between former Cross River Governor Donald Duke and former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana.
In all, 1,904 candidates are vying for the 109 seats in the Senate; 4,680 are to battle for the 360 seats in the House of Representatives.
According to INEC, 225 women are contesting for senatorial seats. The figure is the highest ever.
Five APC governors made the list for election into the Senate. They are Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun; Kazeem Shettima, Borno; Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo; Rochas Okorocha, Imo and Ibrahim Gaidam, Yobe.
The oldest candidate on the list is former Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Adamu, 72. He is followed closely by 71 years old Tanno Patrick Onobughakpo of Kowa Party, who is contesting for Delta South.
Also on the list, which was signed by INEC Secretary Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, are Senator representing Lagos Central Oluremi Tinubu, Patrick Obahiagbon, Godswill Akpabio, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Dino Melaye, Smart Adeyemi and others.
The commission also laid to rest the controversy over the list of candidates for the Ogun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The electoral body listed the names of candidates submitted by the Adebayo Dayo-led Ogun State PDP Executive as candidates of the PDP for the National Assembly election.
The Dayo-led Ogun State PDP Executive is the structure supported by the Senator representing Ogun East, Buruji Kashamu, who is the state’s PDP governorship candidate.
For the senatorial candidates, the list has Apostle Solomon Abiodun Sanyaolu as the PDP candidate for Ogun Central; Sosanwo Adeola Ayoola for Ogun East and Honourable Odunjo Odunleye Abiodun for Ogun West.
For the House of Representatives’ candidates, listed are Mrs. Lanre-Balogun Abimbola for Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency; Showunmi Olusegun for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency; Sunmonu Monsuru Olusegun for Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency; Kojeku David Olusola for Egbado North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency; Ajose Suru for Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency; Adesina Olufemi for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency.
Others are Taiwo Kabir Shote for Ijebu Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North East Federal Constituency; Adekoya Adesegun Abdul-Majeed for Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency and Lawal Alaba Isiaka for Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency.
Kashamu described the development as “victory for resilience and the rule of law”, saying there was “no victor, no vanquished”.
He said with the publication of the final list by INEC, it was incumbent on lovers of the party to close ranks and work to deliver Ogun State for PDP.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Mr. Obo Effanga, said the removal of names of APC candidates for the February 16 and March 2 elections was in compliance with a court order.
Effanga said yesterday on a local radio in Port Harcourt that as a law-abiding commission, it had to comply with the order of the court.
Efforts were made by The Nation to speak with Rivers REC, but he did not answer his calls.
In a reply to a text message, Effanga said: “We (INEC) did not remove any name. We only published names of parties for the elections and APC is not on the list.”
The APC Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chris Finebone, in telephone interview yesterday evening, however, said the candidates of the party would be on the ballot for the elections.
Finebone added that the candidates of Rivers APC had just risen from a crucial meeting in Port Harcourt, where the issue of removal of names by INEC was extensively discussed. He was optimistic that candidates of the party would vie and win, “thereby putting the enemies of democracy to shame”.
INEC denied the allegation that it was issuing out Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to political party chieftains as claimed by PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the commission’s policy on collection of PVCs stands.
Oyekanmi maintained that no official of INEC would agree to collection by proxy.
Lagos State APC governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was the special guest of honour at the GRACE programme of the Household of God, Church, Oregun, on Sunday December 16.
His presence created a huge buzz inside the ultramodern auditorium as he quietly walked down the aisle with just two aides. He was met by the host and visioner of the GRACE programme, flamboyant Rev. Chris Okotie, who never fails to impress as a style icon, platform orator, singer/performer and Bible expositor.
On the special night, Okotie totally ignored his political ambitions and concentrated on the proceedings which included donations to four charities and giving the late Reginald Akpofure, first Nigerian principal of the iconic Kings College, the posthumours Karis Award 2018. The most exciting highlight of GRACE is usually the Queen Esther costume pageant, given to the contestant whose costume best portrayed a female Bible character. This year’s contest was won by Ruth Michael who beat 15 others to the coveted crown.
Sanwo-Olu stunned the audience when he mounted the podium. Not only did he prove to be a consummate political tactician, his brief, on-point remarks covered all highlights of the GRACE night.
As always, Rev. Okotie was the star of every GRACE event. He rendered two riveting songs that could hit No. 1 on the dance music charts anywhere in the world.
Okotie’s call for “Household Ladies” to come forward and dance, spurned an explosive Holy Ghost party that lasted for about an hour. The compassion of Rev. Okotie towards the less privileged was clearly evident in the donations to four charities-Spinal Cord Injuries Association, Sunshine Foundation, Little Saints Orphanage, and Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted- and the KARIS Awardee.
Each of the charities went home with N2million naira, including the KARIS recipient,
The Yoruba of southwest Nigeria have a way not just with their rich language but with words. Many of their words actually represent long string of sentence(s). One example is ‘amunisiwi’. It means he who leads one into speaking unguardedly or he who causes one to speak such ill (of another) in a manner he would never have spoken ordinarily.
Such is the situation Hardball is confronted with right now. After reading a recent interview by Pastor Chris Okotie, chief shepherd of the Household of God Church and presidential candidate of Fresh Democratic Party (FDP), one hung between debunking the clergyman’s claims and the fear of repudiating what may well be a divine injunction.
First who is Pastor Chris Okotie? He burst forth into national limelight almost four decades ago when as an undergraduate law student, he released a hit song. The plucky kid subsequently left his studies, and for a few years practically became the king of pop music in Nigeria of the 80s. He would return to school, complete his studies and when the world thought he would dive full-bodied into the world of music and entertainment which he already ruled, lo he effectuated another drastic twist. He became ‘born again’ and then full time pastor.
It must be a mark of his personal discipline and strong resolve that he never looked back to commercial music regardless that he was a huge success initially. He has been serving in the Lord’s vineyard since 1987 when he founded the Household of God Church International Ministries barely three years after he left university. And he seems to have made a success of it – by every measure.
A few weeks ago, Okotie who is now 60 years old and who has dabbled into politics since 2003 when he started running for presidency of Nigeria now insists God has mandated all the parties to hand him the country to run, otherwise…
Hear him: “I’m asking both parties (PDP and APC) and other political parties not to field their candidates for the 2019 presidential election and allow me to set up and Interim National Government with the mandate to restructure Nigeria and deal with fundamental issues that beset us as a nation in order to prevent a catastrophe…
“It’s a divine mandate from God.”
Some would say Chris Okotie is again at his megalomaniacal best. Some would laugh their heads off; some yet would say the man is eternally deluded. Many times he had claimed God sent him to contest for president and he had flopped woefully.
But just supposing now is the time?
Every election year presents its own peculiar drama and dramatist personae. 2019 is no different in both the content and style of the campaigns, and true to type, Nigerian politicians never fail to surprise with their current brinkmanship on the political turf across the party divide. As expected, the manifestos are not issue-based. No distinct ideology and special message separate the parties; we see a rehash of old promises, most of which are carryover from 2015.
The worst culprits are the lawmakers whose chamber Rev. Chris okotie said should be scrapped in his article: “My charter for Restructuring Nigeria” published in this paper recently. The politicians have refused to change their old ways that keep failing the nation, instead they continue to overheat the polity, almost bringing the nation to boil with ill-tempered squabbles over zoning; endless litigation over nominations into elective offices and politically motivated murders across the nation. The parties are certainly not running on their record as they are relying on the power of pecuniary inducement to get into power.
While all these are going on, an unlikely voice came singing a new song which even professional politicians would find astonishing. And that voice is that of Rev. Chris Okotie, himself a contender for the presidency on three previous occasions. Lately, in various media write-ups, the reverend has taken a position which seemed at first to compromise his own long-standing quest for the Presidency. He says without any fear of contradiction that the PDP and APC should adopt him as joint consensus presidential candidate for 2019. The request must have rattled the power brokers as much as the perennial apologists.
Within every democratic setting, there are institutions enshrined in the constitution that guarantee joint participation, an all-embracing philosophy for the people so that democracy will take natural progression. Therefore, Okotie’s proposition for a Government of National Reconciliation and Reconstruction which he wants to head deserves to be examined. His desire to get the endorsement of the APC and PDP as their joint consensus presidential candidate to run the interim government is a pragmatic solution to the current triggers that have unsettled the polity.
No doubt, Nigeria’s present predicament calls for new building blocks. If we keep doing the same thing and expect a different result, that’s another name for insanity. One may be tempted to ask: which nation can develop under the scenario being enacted by our political class? Where is the interest of the Nigerian masses in all of these unfolding game of musical chairs? Therefore, we need a totally new paradigm as advocated by the pastor-politician in his well-articulated article, which is now popularly referred to as Okotie’s Charter for Restructuring Nigeria.
My main attraction for this proposition is the advocacy of what he calls “Aboriginal democracy” or home grown system of government and the kernel of this new government is the elimination of the National Assembly, Nigeria’s unofficial opposition and financial drain pipe. How does it work? Okotie gives an insight: “My mandate, therefore, will be to set up an interim government which I have christened GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL RECONCILIATION AND RECONSTRUCTION as the mechanical instrumentality for the crystallization of the new Nigeria of our dreams. It would be predicated on a new concept of Aboriginal democracy. Our current democracy has been hijacked by elitism, mysticism and Satanism. Aboriginal democracy will focus on cultural historicity, evolutional modernity and global relativity as the necessary ingredients of our evolutional political indigenisation. Under this system, the current legislature would merge with the judiciary to create a unique judicature that administers justice and shares the enactment of legislative responsibilities with the Presidency. This would save us the huge cost of running the National Assembly and obviate all the paralysing debates that often stalled the passage of bills.”
A number of commentators have queried the modalities of this proposal but I find it truly innovative, practicable and realistic because it is cost effective as well as efficient, and less cumbersome. The uniqueness of Aboriginal democracy is in its all-inclusive structure and seamless operation within the context of our multi-ethnic and multi-religious diversity.
The other aspect of Rev Okotie’s article is his call for an interim national government of reconstruction and reconciliation. Indeed Reconstruction and Reconciliation are the two most important and urgent programmes on the national agenda of this country across regional and ethnic divide, and no one can dispute it.
A holistic programme of wholesale rebuilding of our national infrastructure would eliminate the perennial cry of marginalization and ethnic/religious hegemony. To deny that Nigeria’s development is not balanced is to stand logic on its head. Those who claim that project and infrastructural development are skewed in favour of a particular section of the nation cannot be dismissed out of hand. What is not in doubt also is the inability of the present generation of politicians to effect any meaningful resolution of the Nigeria question. Only a new man or woman can do it. To that extent also, I believe that the cerebral pastor-politician got it right.
He captured the image of the type of leader Nigeria needs post 2019: “I am fully persuaded that Nigeria needs a man who is credible, dependable and trustworthy. A God-fearing man who is embroidered with compassion and love for country. A man who will be readily accepted as a symbol of national unity, who can bring genuine reconciliation and guarantee peace and tranquility in our nation. A man who is completely insulated from the variegated conflicts that mark the antecedents of our major political actors. A man who can apply the principles of malice towards none and charity for all; who can invoke a Pan-Nigerian philosophy that rejects the partisan provincialism of finger pointing at this time when Nigeria is threatened by existential adversaries. A man with the requisite intellectual capacity and moral perpendicularity”. I believe even cynical would agree with that.
Household of God Church Pastor Chris Okotie has returned to partisan politics as he seeks to contest for president in next year’s general election.
He announced the intention at a news conference in his church yesterday, saying he was motivated to return because of the dashed dreams and aspirations of the people.
Okotie said: “In sincere consideration, I humbly and sincerely ask that the All Progressives Congress (APC) adopt me as the presidential candidate. I have extended the same gesture to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) too. This is the time to demonstrate our love for this country.”
He said things had gone from bad to worse in the country. He said Nigeria needs a credible personality, who is intellectually ready and capable.
He said the Nigerian constitution is obsolete, adding that he would set up a government of reconciliation.
Okotie concluded when he said his aspiration is not out of his will, but that of the Lord.
Fame is often described as a vapour, which may soon fade away. But the only thing that endures is character. Stephanie Henshaw understands this more than many of her colleagues and has chosen the path of serenity and tranquility over fame. Not only has she gone calm, Stephanie has adopted a quiet way of life, choosing to embrace calmness over fame and popularity. Ever since her celebrated marriage to Pastor Chris Okotie crashed four years ago, Stephanie Henshaw has ceased to appear frequently in public. While she works very hard, the stylish entrepreneur ensures she plays hard also. And for her, relaxation time might constitute attending social events.
But those who are familiar with the routine of the beautiful mother of three would have noticed that she likes to step out in company with her daughter, Stephanie, as well as Richard Mofe Damijo and his wife, Jumobi. Spotted at a recent event, she looked very chic in a black floor-length evening dress. As expected, she received many admiring glances from the host and invited guests.
Last Sunday, Chris Okotie, General Overseer of the Household of God Church set the cats among the pigeons when he declared the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) president Ayo Oritsejafor a false prophet for allegedly predicting that ex-president Goodluck Jonathan would win the 2015 poll. Even if he was right about Pastor Oritsejafor’s prophecy, the way Rev Okotie spoke indicated he was probably gloating over the CAN president’s prophetic mishap. “Pastor Oritsejafor deceived Jonathan with a false prophecy from God that he (Jonathan) would win the election convincingly,” sneered Rev Okotie. “The man (Jonathan) became convinced to contest after Oritsejafor had told him, using CAN’s name, that God had ordained him the winner of the 2015 presidential election.”
To underscore how badly he was dismayed by Pastor Oritsejafor’s relationship with the former president, Rev Okotie disclosed that some top CAN and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) leaders knew about the errant prophecy but kept mute for fear. “They couldn’t speak out because they were scared of being insulted,” he lamented. “They were scared of being insulted for saying rubbish. They were scared of being insulted on the pages of newspapers. So, while I continued to write and speak that Jonathan was not the man, those of them who knew the truth in what I was saying chose to keep quiet out of fear.”
All the other statements by Rev Okotie on the CAN president’s alleged prophetic excursions were difficult to decipher. “I told CAN and PFN that Jonathan was not of God; that whosoever would win would be one that had built a tabernacle in the presence of God,” the critical preacher said. Perhaps it was not reported, and the reporter must thus be blamed for the omission, but what kind of tabernacle was the Rev referring to? Did the eventual winner, Muhammdu Buhari, build any such tabernacle? Would to God the Rev had broken his imageries down for the sake of many of his longstanding admirers who stand in awe of his often thunderous, exhausting and charming use of language, especially of the thesaurus. Still inspired and breathing scorn at the CAN president’s prophetic temerity, Rev Okotie concluded: “I told CAN and PFN that Jonathan did not belong to the House of David and that since he did not belong to the household, his winning would bring more sorrow to Nigeria.”
Well, Dr Jonathan lost, sadly in a most humiliating fashion. Till today, he is still derided for both the manner of his loss and the general impression of his poor leadership. But as for Pastor Oritsejafor’s alleged prophetic fecundity, CAN communications officers insist prophecies were not his forte. He never prophesied before or during the elections, they said, and Rev Okotie was simply exaggerating. It is surprising CAN aides were kind to their traducer, who a few years back also forayed into the presidential race for reasons he has not fully explained. Had they questioned his ecclesiastical wisdom in contesting the presidency in 2011, and ridiculed him for lying he was God’s chosen one, and denounced his confident assertion that he would win when everything pointed to a looming electoral debacle, they would have been justified. As every Nigerian knows, it is not unusual in these parts for public officials to live in a glass house and throw stones.
Whether Pastor Oritsejafor prophesied or not, what is clear in all this is that ecclesiastical leaders must learn to keep their distance from political leaders. By all means pray for them, counsel them, and even teach them; but do not at all costs meddle or wine with them. Pastor Oritsejafor took his fellow feeling and kindred spirit with Dr Jonathan beyond common spiritual decency. He has suffered great injuries as a result, and has found it difficult, as the Hassan Kukah National Peace Committee showed, to maintain a dispassionate and magisterial attitude towards the Buhari presidency. If his conscience, a product of the refining power of the Spirit, does not reprove him for his role in the 2015 polls, whether he prophesied or not, or whether Rev Okotie lied against him or not, that lack of amenableness to correction will shake the confidence of the flock he so grandly shepherds in their constant effort to deconstruct and assimilate the things of the spirit, let alone the deep and complex mysteries of the gospel.
Lagos State House of Assembly at its plenary on Thursaday paid tribute to the late lawyer and human rights activist, Bamidele Aturu, who died Wednesday, July 9, describing him as an uncommon personality that fought for emancipation of the masses.
Muyiwa Jimoh, representing Apapa, brought the news of Aturu’s death to his colleagues, saying: “Aturu was a pride not only to Nigeria, but also to Africa. At the age of 19, he was a youth leader always at the forefront of fighting for the good of others.”
The lawmaker said although the dogged fighter was an indigene of Akoko in Ondo State, he had lived all his life in Lagos, adding that “his death came as a rude shock to us. He died shortly after slumping last night.”
He explained that Aturu’s recognition was far beyond Nigeria. “He was a member of the legal team of the International Labour Organization (ILO). I think with all these, he deserves tribute from this hallow chamber.”
Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji described the death of the frontline lawyer as a national calamity, saying: “The sudden demise of one of Nigeria’s brightest legal practitioners and a civil rights activist, Mr. Bamidele Aturu , on Wednesday, is indeed a national calamity. It is quite sad and highly unfortunate that our nation has yet again lost one of her best legal minds to the cold hands of death at a time when more of such minds are needed to help rescue our country from ruins.”
He further said: “It is not only sad, but highly unfortunate. It is on record for instance that Bamidele Aturu plotted a very unique path of practice for himself since becoming a legal luminary, by always aligning with and fighting for the poor masses of our country, free of charge. One would have wished that such a great soul would be spared by the Almighty Creator to live long enough to be able to fight the course of the downtrodden in our country, for a longer period.”
While lending his voice, Sanai Agunbiade, representing Ikorodu I, pointed out that the death of the activist became more saddening because “he did not live to eat the fruits of his labour having died at the age of 49.”
Agunbiade explained that Aturu was to be distinguished among other activists because he was regarded as “gentle tiger” having fought wholeheartedly for the masses.
While Deputy Whip, Rotimi Abiru, described the death as a great loss to the judiciary and the nation at large, adding that his exit would create a huge gap in the judicial system at this crucial time of our democratic practice.
According to him, the late barrister was a dogged fighter, honest and professional to the core. “He was the voice of the voiceless and a man who always stood by the truth. The nation will miss him; the masses will miss him”, Abiru said.
A minute silence was thereafter observed in his honour.
…Okotie too
The Chairman, Rev. Chris Okotie, the National Executive Committee and members of the Fresh Democratic Party have commiserated with the wife, children and family of the upright, forthright and human rights lawyer and activist, Mr. Bamidele Aturu who died Wednesday, July 9.
The described his death as a big blow to the struggle for the entrenchment of rule of law in Nigeria.
They said: “Aturu identified with and stood his good causes and was a champion of the oppressed. He was iconoclastic till his death.
“We pray that the Lord will grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
“I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”
– Mathew 16:18-
It all started 27 years ago, when Rev. Chris Okotie opened the doors of his Obasa Street, Ikeja, Lagos duplex to the first service of The Household of God Fellowship. As the news filtered around, many who could not fathom the transition of the pop star to pastor, believed that the historic event would be eclipsed by the demise of the ‘flash-in-the-pan’ gospel ministry, which has otherwise survived every calculated act of calumny inflicted on the man and the unshaken foundation of the ministry, from within and without.
Many who held negative views of the church had never even been there, nor heard Okotie speak, but formed their opinion based of what a section of the media wrote. Okotie said sometime ago: “It hasn’t been smooth sailing, if it was, God wouldn’t be in it. God indeed uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.”
But how does one unravel the Okotie enigma? The man, the musician, the pastor-politician, the prophet?
Three years after he became born Again, following a whirlwind stint in the music industry, which saw the release of the epoch making debut album, and as he puts it, phenomenally successful I Need Someone, came the one-year stint at the bible college of His Grace Fellowship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, where he went for ministerial training. Rev. Okotie again stunned Nigerians by announcing what has become Nigeria’s most celebrated church, The Household of God Fellowship, which was later to be rechristened The Household of God International Ministries.
Rev. Okotie said in his self-penned commentary during last year’s anniversary of his church: “It is indeed a rare privilege and honour for which my gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ cannot possibly be expressed in words… I have come to realise that ministry is all about service. It is probably the best nursery and training ground for leaders in any sphere of human endeavour. It is in ministry that the complex problems of humanity stare you in the face. You encounter circumstances that only God could handle because of their sheer complexity and bizarre nature.”
He added that “despite all we’ve accomplished in ministry- the prosperous, impact-driven church, my monumental book, The Last Outcast, which revealed the Anti-Christ, it is my forays into elective politics by the leading of the Holy Spirit, which for me, is the high point of my entire life.”
From the hoopla of its creation, through the relocation to its permanent site at the then National Bank Road in Oregun, the acquisition of vast properties on both sides of the street, and beyond, the publishing of his first book, The Last Outcast, the Apokalupsis radio and TV ministrations, his divinely inspired political project, to the recent purchase of a Rolls Royce Coupe, 2014 Bespoke Edition and a Range Rover (Autobiography) 2014 model to mark this ministry’s milestones, Rev. Okotie and Household have always been in the news.
But there is more about Rev. Okotie and Household that has been left unsaid. Come Sunday, February 2, 2014, the church will celebrate quietly. But, 30 years as a born again Christian, and 27 years as a Pastor are landmark achievements in anybody’s book.
Household has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and has left many landmarks which have radically changed the face and perception of Christianity in Nigeria. For those who have visited or attended the church, several things stand out which define the Reverend’s call and ministry.
The trajectory of the ministry shows that there is a certain uniqueness about it. At a time when ministries have engaged in ploys aimed at generating income and followership, Household has maintained its focus and vision. Focus, which is characteristic of Rev. Okotie is one attribute that many admire about him.
The camaraderie of brotherhood which characterises the Household family is palpable, and is evident in the smooth running of the church, even in the absence of the amiable Reverend. The structuring of the deferent departments and months celebrations have become a trend in different churches, and even the celebration of Easter and Christmas with a million and one lights which adorn shrubs on the street that dissect the church, and the sprawling car park.
The pioneering church structure that was introduced by Rev. Okotie has become a model replicated widely today, and many churches had over the years come to understudy this model. His sermons have been replicated severally by other ministries, who avail themselves of the churches tape ministry, because of the Pastor’s unique teachings.
GRACE celebrations, the church’s only public programme, is one which displays Christian benevolence to some charities, while the subsumed Karis Award celebrates Nigerians deemed worthy of recognition for selfless service to the nation. This holds every week preceding Christmas.
Over and above all this, I believe the depth of revelation that comes from the pulpit is probably the most fascinating attraction of the Pastor’s ministry.
Of his foray into the murky waters of Nigeria’s politics, Okotie told a reporter recently that “my political assignment is an expression of the Melchezedek Priesthood epitomised by the Lord Jesus who is both a king (political leader) and priest (spiritual leader). This is the biblical basis of my political assignment.”
But amidst the cacophony of voices that have tried to befuddle the man Okotie and his ministry, some recent articles have become a pool of refreshing objectivity about the man.
Omolara Olalekan in an article titled Okotie: The Pulpit and the Podium wrote “It is only through God’s divine grace and celestial lissomness that a man attains the lofty height of 30 in God’s vineyard. It is not of works, but of ecclesiastical gift. That is why reading through his interview in the Punch Newspaper, one is constrained to join him in celebrating a milestone as a soldier of the cross, a beacon of spiritual light; a preacher of the gospel and a defender of the truth. I have wondered why a man would not be contented with only preaching the word of God… But today, that conviction has been smoldered to smithereens”. Need we say more? Happy double celebrations.
Ohio-Michael Elakhe, a public affairs commentator and member of Household Church, wrote in from Lagos.