Apostle Festus Alilu, the senior pastor of Word of Power Gospel Church International, was taken into custody late Thursday following inflammatory comments regarding Pastor Korede Komaiya of The Master’s Place International Church. Alilu had posted a video on his Facebook page, accusing Komaiya of misleading his congregation with fake prosperity doctrines.
He alleged that Komaiya’s messages were designed to exploit members’ faith by trading financial miracles and prosperity through offerings and tithes—a common practice linked to the prosperity gospel. In the video, Alilu quoted activist Omoyele Sowore’s ongoing condemnation of Nigerian pastors as evidence that pastors like Komaiya form part of growing distrust in religious leaders.
Sowore, a leading human rights activist, has frequently condemned corruption and manipulation in churches, targeting particularly prosperity preachers as taking advantage of vulnerable followers. Alilu warned that, unless others and Komaiya let go of such deceitful actions, they would continue to divide and mislead the Christian people.
While some supported Alilu’s bold action, others condemned him for publicly challenging another pastor, alleging church matters were to be spoken of in confidence. A SaharaReporters-released video records the moment when police arrested Alilu.
Pastor Korede Komaiya is a popular figure in The Master’s Place International Church, a fast-rising ministry with a mammoth following in Nigeria. He is popular due to his charismatic method of preaching and preaches that belief and usual giving lead to material success and prosperity.
