The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has issued a strong warning to Rev. Isaac Omolehin, founder of Word Assembly Ministry in Ilorin, following his recent public remarks questioning the leadership structure of the Nigerian church and referencing prominent Christian figures.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh addressed Omolehin’s comments, emphasizing that the association will not tolerate statements that could undermine unity within the church. CAN also categorically denied allegations of internal division and mismanagement of relief funds, calling such claims entirely false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading.
The association reiterated its unity and rejected any suggestion of a split within its ranks, while criticizing the manner in which respected Christian leaders—Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, and Pastor William Kumuyi—were referenced in Omolehin’s statements. CAN described these references as potentially inflammatory and misleading to the faithful.
“We are deeply troubled that these baseless claims were publicly propagated by Rev. Isaac Omolehin without evidence and without regard for the consequences on national cohesion and the unity of the Church,” the statement read. The association further warned Omolehin and others against spreading unverified or defamatory statements that could misinform the public or malign the church.
Let it be unequivocally stated: CAN will not tolerate the spread of falsehoods or any attempt to malign the Church. We issue a final caution to Rev. Isaac Omolehin and any other parties misusing their platforms to disseminate such claims: desist immediately. Failure to comply will compel CAN to take all necessary steps, including legal action, to defend the integrity of the church and the broader Christian community.
CAN’s caution follows a recent sermon by Omolehin that sparked widespread debate on social media. In the sermon, Omolehin questioned the idea of a single ‘father’ figure in Nigerian Christianity, arguing that prominent leaders like Adeboye, Oyedepo, and Kumuyi should be seen as heads of their respective denominations rather than as fathers of the entire Christian body in Nigeria.
A father would be someone who cares for everyone, not just advances denominational interests or engages in rivalry over church size and resources, Omolehin said, criticizing what he described as unhealthy competition among church leaders.
His remarks have drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing them as a critique of denominational fragmentation, while others see them as disrespectful to established Christian leaders.
