By Ghazali Ibrahim
Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), has triggered widespread online reactions after a witty response to claims that he is the richest pastor in the world.
The moment, captured in a now-viral video, occurred during a conversation with Nigerian entrepreneur and motivational speaker Stephen Akintayo.
In the clip, Akintayo confidently told the cleric, “You’re the richest pastor in the world, sir,” adding that the claim had been reported by Forbes and other platforms.
Rather than accepting or denying the assertion, Oyedepo paused, smiled, and replied humorously: “Where did you mark it?” The brief comment sent those present into laughter and quickly became the standout line of the exchange.
Since the video surfaced online, it has sparked intense debate across social media. While many users praised the bishop’s calm and humorous deflection, others revived long-running conversations about wealth, transparency, and the public scrutiny surrounding prominent religious leaders.
Oyedepo is often listed among the world’s wealthiest pastors, largely due to the vast reach of his ministry and its assets.
In 2011, Forbes estimated his net worth at about $150 million, ranking him as the richest Black pastor at the time, though such figures have remained unofficial and widely debated.
Founded in 1981, Living Faith Church has grown into one of Africa’s largest Christian ministries. Its headquarters, Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, is regarded as the largest church auditorium on the continent, hosting tens of thousands of worshippers weekly. The ministry also oversees Dominion Publishing House and two universities in Nigeria, Covenant University and Landmark University.
Despite recurring claims about his wealth, Oyedepo has consistently avoided public discussions about personal net worth, often stressing that his focus remains on faith, impact, and spiritual growth. His latest viral response, however, has once again placed him at the centre of Nigeria’s ongoing debate about religion, influence, and wealth.
