- Pastor Chris Oyakhilome recently ignited a firestorm with his explosive remarks about gospel artists who gained fame through his ministry, only to part ways with him.
- In a scathing revelation, the revered cleric didn’t mince words as he exposed why he distanced himself from these singers, hinted at betrayal and ingratitude.
- Gospel music Heavyweights like Esther Igbekele and Mike Abdul have stepped into the ring, each launching support to and counterattack against Oyakhilome’s claims.
Nigerian gospel singers Mike Abdul and Esther Igbekele have waded into the fiery debate ignited by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of LoveWorld (Christ Embassy), over the commercialization of gospel music.
Oyakhilome, in a scathing rebuke, had declared that many gospel artists who left his church, are more concerned with fame and financial gain than with genuine service to God.
He condemned the practice of charging fees for ministration, argued that churches have become more like entertainment hubs than houses of worship.
In a recent interview with Punch, Mike Abdul and Esther Igbekele responded to the controversial remarks. Abdul acknowledged that the conversation could serve as a wake-up call for gospel artists to reassess their priorities.
He said, “I think it is just human behaviour. There will always be extremes where people will be more lured by the money than the work. I think the church has been gracious enough to stretch a hand of honour and fellowship to the music of the gospel.
“So, I think when such extremes come, it depends on us to address them. It’s a good call actually, I won’t lie to you, so that we watch it and do what is right. People are engaging in the conversations and it is a way of reminding us to watch it and do what is right. We need to be able to draw structures that will attend to the issue of money and the sustainability of what we do.”
However, Igbekele took a bolder stance, rejecting the notion that gospel musicians should remain financially struggling simply because of their calling.
She emphasized that they have real-life responsibilities, bills to pay, families to support and should not be shamed for seeking financial sustenance through their craft.
Esther Igbekele’s words;
“Well, they both align together because choosing gospel music is somehow giving out to the Lord a mandate because there are other businesses. So it doesn’t mean you should be wretched. If you are worshipping the Lord, the Lord himself will bless you. As I’m talking to you, I’m on my way to a programme from Lagos to Akure (Ondo State). You know what it entails to move from point A to B and I am working with grown-up people.
“They have families, they have bills to pay, and they have things to sort out. If you are not paying them, they will not follow you. So you won’t say because you are giving your life to God, you want to be worshipping God and you remain in penury.
“I am not in party to that kind of arguments. But you know, there are two sides to a coin, so people think differently. But for me, if God is really giving you the courage to do his work, people should bless your life.
“I wouldn’t say some churches have turned worship into a party. The truth is, many people in the world today are struggling with depression. They feel down and need something to lift their spirits. That’s why some people go to church—not necessarily for deep worship, but just to feel happy and forget their problems for a while.”
