By Passman Akpos
Abuja, Nigeria — A fresh controversy has erupted within Nigeria’s Pentecostal community following emotional allegations by veteran cleric Pa Isaac Omolehin, who claims powerful religious blocs have repeatedly blocked him from ministering both within and outside the country.
In a widely circulated online narration, Omolehin alleged that a network he described as a “Pentecostal cabal” has been deliberately undermining his ministry by sending messages to churches and organisations that invite him to preach, urging them to cancel the invitations.
One of the most striking accounts, which has triggered widespread reactions among Christians online, involved a recent ministry trip to Canada. According to Omolehin, he personally funded his travel—spending an estimated ₦16 million on flights—only to arrive and be told he would not be allowed to minister.
> “There was an instruction from Nigeria not to allow me preach,” he claimed, adding that he was left stranded and received no refund or support from the host church.
The incident, he said, left him “shocked and heartbroken,” describing the experience as “the lowest low” and calling on church leaders to uphold integrity and the fear of God.
Growing Debate Over Alleged Cliques in Nigerian Pentecostalism
The claims have since sparked conversations across social media platforms, with many users accusing top-tier Pentecostal leaders of gatekeeping, internal politics, and “godfatherism.”
Some commentators described the system as “control and alignment,” alleging that ministers who are not part of select camps are deliberately sidelined. Others suggested that such controversies have contributed to the decline of nationwide revival programmes and independent crusades.
> “Ministry is now like a cult. If you’re not in their camp, you become a target,” one supporter lamented.
Another commenter added:
> “We have very few genuine men of God; the rest are businessmen.”
Some also warned that the alleged pattern is not new:“This practice has been on for decades. Social media is only making it harder to hide.”
Supporters Say Omolehin Is Targeted for Preaching ‘Undiluted Gospel’
A number of Christian voices rallied behind the cleric, arguing that he is being targeted for refusing to submit to entrenched power blocs within Nigeria’s Pentecostal leadership.
One supporter wrote:
> “Sir, you’re a target because you stand for the undiluted gospel.”
Another accused certain influential leaders of “hating their fellow ministers,” warning that such behavior contradicts the teachings of Christ.
A Deepening Rift?
The allegations have reignited broader conversations about transparency, internal politics, and accountability within Nigeria’s Christian community.
While no senior Pentecostal leader or association has issued an official response to the claims, the story continues to trend online, with many Nigerians calling for reforms and greater openness among Christian leadership structures.
For now, Pa Isaac Omolehin’s outcry has exposed long-simmering tensions—laying bare a crisis of trust that many believers say has been building for years.
