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Chris Oyakhilome

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Pastor
Chris Oyakhilome
Born
Christian Oyakhilome

(1963-12-07) 7 December 1963 (age 60)
Edo State, Nigeria
Occupation(s)Pastor, faith healing minister, television host, author, philanthropist
Known forGlobal Evangelical Outreach
Notable workFounder, LoveWorld Inc
Spouse
Anita Ebhodaghe
​
​
(m. 1991; div. 2016)​
Children2
Websitewww.pastorchrisonline.org

Christian Oyakhilome (born 7 December 1963), known as Pastor Chris, is a Nigerian pastor, televangelist and president of LoveWorld Incorporated a Christian ministry based in Lagos. He is the founder of Christ Embassy, a large congregation with branches in several countries, and the author of the daily devotional Rhapsody of Realities.[1][2]

Oyakhilome also organises mass rallies and His "healing school" is held periodically every year in Nigeria and South Africa.[3]

Early life and education

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Chris Oyakhilome was born on 7 December 1963 to Tim and Angelina Oyakhilome in Edo State, Nigeria.[4] He is the third child of 7 children and the first of two sons. He has five sisters and all of his siblings play active roles in Loveworld and Christ Embassy.[4] They are Beayeta Akhuemokhan (née Oyakhilome), Mercy Oyakhilome, Kenneth Oyakhilome, Linda Okocha (née Oyakhilome), Kathy Woghiren (née Oyakhilome) and Lovelina Osazuwa (née Oyakhilome).[5]

He attended Edo College, and on scholarship, gained admission into Bendel State University, which was later renamed Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma where he studied and obtained a first degree in Architecture.[6]

Ministry and theology

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Christ Embassy in Luton, England

Oyakhilome's ministry began while he was a student on campus at Ambrose Alli University. As an undergraduate, he founded a youth ministry called Youth For Christ, which became the largest fellowship at Bendel State University. In one of his services, Oyakhilome gave an account of how the Vice Chancellor at the time attended his service once on Campus.[7]

Upon graduation in 1987, he started a church in Benin City and relocated to Lagos in 1989, where he established Christ Embassy.[6][failed verification] As of February 2023, there were BLW Campus Fellowships and Christ Embassy Churches in higher institutions and major cities around the world;[8][9] Oyakhilome's ministry has spread to the United Kingdom, the United States, Ghana and South Africa,[10] and has "healing school" sessions in South Africa, Lagos, and Canada.[3]

Oyakhilome also founded a Christian-based television network, which broadcasts worldwide from Africa. He also held the largest single-night event in Nigeria in 2006 with claimed 3.5 million people in attendance "Good Friday Miracle Night".[11][dubious – discuss] Oyakhilome also hosts Higher Life conferences in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, the UK, the US, and Canada,[12] and organized the Night of Bliss South Africa event at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.[13] Oyakhilome also operates an International School of Ministry,[14] which held one of its Ministers' Network Conferences in 2016 with 5,000 ministers in attendance from 145 countries, in Johannesburg, South Africa.[15]

He runs an online prayer network using social media to send messages to Christians in several countries. He also operates a smartphone messenger called KingsChat.[16] In 2015, Oyakhilome was given an honorary doctorate from Ambrose Alli University[17] and Benson Idahosa University.[18] In 2017, Oyakhilome, in partnership with Benny Hinn, created the Christian cable channel LoveWorld USA.[19]

Oyakhilome has hosted several online programs including five editions of the Global Day of Prayer, with Benny Hinn, the first edition on 27 March 2020. Today, his ministry has a digital currency called Espee that members can use to make different transactions.[20][non-primary source needed]

Personal life

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Chris Oyakhilome married Anita Ebhodaghe on 2 February 1991. They met as students at the university. Anita was also a pastor in Christ Embassy and was widely known as Pastor Anita. They later had two daughters, Sharon and Charlene.[21]

The couple filed for divorce on 9 April 2014. In an official release made by Pastor Anita's legal team, Attwaters Jameson Hill, the divorce was confirmed completed on 8 February 2016, and they stated, "Anita Oyakhilome would like to confirm that she is no longer involved in or part of Christ Embassy AKA Believers loveworld Inc." [22]

On 6 October 2018, Pastor Benny Hinn officiated the wedding ceremony of Pastor Chris' first daughter, Sharon, to Phillip Frimpong; a Ghanaian, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as chairman of the occasion.[23][24]

In 2011, Forbes estimated Oyakhilome's wealth as between $30 million and $50 million.[25]

Philanthropic work

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Oyakhilome operates the Inner City Mission Project, which works to assist orphaned and indigent children in inner cities in several countries.[26] The organisation is under the auspices of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, which works to help the poor and those in the inner cities. The organisation sends relief materials to countries when disasters strike and works with government parastatals to improve social well-being.[citation needed]

The Chris Oyakhilome Foundation is one of the major sponsors of the inner city orphanage homes[27] in Africa managed by pushaboo,[28] an organisation spearheading the care of mothers and babies around the world.

Other agencies[29] supported by Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI) are the Volunteer Medical Corps, Trauma Care International Foundation, Inner City Mission for Children, Future Africa Leaders Foundation and the Bible for All Mission.[30]

In an inquiry started in 2013, the UK Charity Commission found there was "serious misconduct and/or mismanagement" in the administration of the "Christ Embassy", a charity associated with Oyakhilome and his church's activities. An interim manager was appointed to review the activities and governance of the charity, leading to a report that “the board of trustees appears to be fragmented” and “appear to have little appreciation of their roles, duties and obligations as Trustees”. The interim manager served until the appointment of a new Board of Trustees in 2016. Following the appointment of the new Board of Trustees, significant progress was made to address the governance and improve oversight and control of the charity.[31]

Honors

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Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Benson Idahosa University.[32][33]

Honorary Doctorate Doctor of Science Award, Ambrose Alli University.[34]

In December 2023, he was named the Chancellor – Head of Government and Chairman Plenipotentiary of Weldios University. [35]

Controversies

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Oyakhilome has garnered attention for his advocacy of faith healing as a potential solution for HIV/AIDS.[36]

Oyakhilome has been accused of preaching the prosperity gospel and using his followers for money, stating that those who donate to his ministry will be rewarded with wealth, health.[37] However he has responded to criticism by stating that "true prosperity comes from spiritual growth and adherence to God's principles, not mere material accumulation.[38]

Oyakhilome also supports YouTube-propagated conspiracy theories, including a video he posted linking the Corona Virus with the 5G mobile network rollout and a conspiracy of the "New World Order."[39] He has preached against vaccines and has been accused of undermining efforts to eradicate serious infectious diseases.[40] He has also spoken against vaccines against malaria.[41]

Oyakhilome and his church have been accused of spreading anti-vaccine misinformation about HPV, polio and malaria vaccination[42] In 2021, the Oyakhilome-associated Loveworld Television Network was convicted of making false claims about the COVID-19 pandemic and for the same infraction, the television network was fined £125,000 by British regulators Ofcom.”[43][44]

Writings

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Oyakhilome is the author of Rhapsody of Realities, which is distributed monthly in several countries and also shared via social media platforms.[45] Below are the books written and the year published.

  • Recreating Your World in 1998
  • Gates of Zion in 1998
  • Your Rights In Christ in 1998
  • The Oil And The Mantle in 1999[46]
  • None of These Diseases in 2000
  • How To Receive Your Miracle and Retain It in 2001
  • When God Visits You in 2001
  • The Power of Tongues in 2001
  • Join This Chariot in 2002
  • Praying the Right Way in 2004
  • Don't Stop Here in 2004
  • How To Make Your Faith Work in 2005
  • Prophecy in 2005
  • Seven Things The Holy Spirit Will Do For You in 2005
  • Holy Spirit And You in 2005
  • Now That You Are Born Again in 2006
  • The Seven Spirits of God in 2006
  • Healing From Heaven in 2010
  • Rhapsody Of Realities Topical Compendium in 2011
  • How To Pray Effectively in 2012
  • The Power Of Your Mind: Walk In Divine Excellence in 2016[47]

References

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  1. ^ Nwafor (25 August 2022). "Rhapsody of Realities hits 7,000 languages, hosts #ReachOutWorldLive with Pastor Chris". Vanguard News. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  2. ^ "Pastor Oyakhilome Donates 1Billion Naira To Idahosa University". Channels Television. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Thousands Attend Christ Embassy Healing School in Lagos – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  4. ^ a b Petersen, Austin (15 February 2023). "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome: The Family Man". The Libertarian Republic. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  5. ^ Man, The New. "Biography of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome". The New Man Movement. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  6. ^ a b Online, Tribune (28 October 2019). "A Biography of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome: The Glorious Life of the Man of God". Tribune Online. Archived from the original on 29 May 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  7. ^ PASTOR CHRIS REVEALS HOW HIS VICE CHANCELLOR DIDN'T WANT HIM TO ORGANIZE MEETING AT SCHOOL, retrieved 7 February 2023
  8. ^ "Believer's Loveworld (BLW)". www.leicesterunion.com. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  9. ^ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Biography: Who Is Christ Embassy Founder and How Old is He Now?". buzznigeria.com. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  10. ^ News report from Channel 7: https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/christ-embassy-leader-shares-conspiracies-c-3756414. Accessed 24 August 2021.
  11. ^ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome builds N100 million auditorium". Encomium. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  12. ^ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Pastor, Prophet, Evangelist, Nigeria Personality Profiles". nigeriagalleria.com. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  13. ^ "We attend Pastor Chris' Night of Bliss". DRUM. 16 March 2011. Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
  14. ^ "InnerCity Mission for Children – Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI)". Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  15. ^ "Welcome Luncheon at ISM Ministers' Network Conference". Loveworldnews.com. 12 April 2016. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  16. ^ "KingsChat on Google Play". Retrieved 29 August 2016.
  17. ^ "AAU to honour Oyakhilome, others". The Nation Newspaper. 22 April 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  18. ^ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome pledges N1billion to Nigeria University". Ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  19. ^ Walubengo, Peris (20 June 2023). "Top 13 richest pastors in Nigeria in 2024: background, net worth, and cars". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  20. ^ "Ceflix Tv". ceflix.org. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  21. ^ "All about Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's marriage, wife and children". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  22. ^ "Anita Oyakhilome Attwaters Jameson Hill Harlow". Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  23. ^ "The Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Family: His Two Daughters". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 9 April 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  24. ^ Sunkanmi, Iyanu (6 October 2018). "Beautiful white wedding photos of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome's daughter". Kemi Filani News. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  25. ^ Cocks, Tim (12 October 2014). "Nigeria's 'megachurches': a hidden pillar of Africa's top economy". Reuters. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  26. ^ "About - InnerCity Mission HQ". The InnerCity Mission.
  27. ^ "DONATIONS · TRUSTED MARKET FOR HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES". Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  28. ^ "Pushaboo". Pushaboo. Archived from the original on 11 April 2020.
  29. ^ "The Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International Takes the Lead in Humanitarian Efforts Across the African Continent". Nigerian Voice. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  30. ^ "Oyakhilome Foundation Touching Lives Globally – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  31. ^ Charities Commission (18 January 2022). "Decision: Charity Inquiry: Christ Embassy". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  32. ^ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Bags BIU Doctorate Degree in Divinity". biu.edu.ng. Benson Idahosa University. 30 October 2015. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  33. ^ "Pastor Chris Honored with the Prestigious Doctorate Degree". onlineprnews.com. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  34. ^ "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome- Awarded Doctor of Science by Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State. | Bizness Watch". www.biznesswatch.com. Archived from the original on 4 June 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  35. ^ Content, Branded (7 December 2023). "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the new Chancellor of the prestigious Weldios University". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  36. ^ "Hundreds share testimonies from virtual healing services with Pastor Chris". P.M. News. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  37. ^ Aarni Kuoppamäki (22 May 2017). "Preachers of prosperity: faith as business". DW. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
  38. ^ "Pastor Chris on prosperity gospel: "It is about how you live your life"". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  39. ^ Orjinmo, Nduka (8 April 2020). "Nigeria's mega-churches adjust to empty auditoriums". BBC News. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  40. ^ Silas, Don (1 April 2021). "Pastor Chris Oyakhilome got it wrong, COVID-19 vaccine saves lives - NIFROP". Daily Post Nigeria.
  41. ^ "Chris Oyakhilome: Nigerian pastor pushing malaria vaccine conspiracy theories". BBC News. 18 April 2024.
  42. ^ Nwonwu, Chiagozie; Tukur, Fauziyya; Alo, Olaronke (18 April 2024). "Chris Oyakhilome: Nigerian pastor pushing malaria vaccine conspiracy theories". BBC. BBC Global Disinformation Team. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  43. ^ Hancock, Sam (31 March 2021). "Christian broadcaster fined £125,000 for Covid-19 conspiracies". The Independent.
  44. ^ Ofcom. "Ofcom Broadcast and On Demand Bulletin" (PDF). Ofcom. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  45. ^ "Pastor Chris in maiden Zim trip". NewsDay Zimbabwe. 17 April 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  46. ^ "Pastor Chris in maiden Zim trip".
  47. ^ "Chris Oyakhilome Biography, Education, Ministry, Networth". Naijabiography Media. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
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