Lists of the wealthiest Nigerian pastors vary by source and often include estimates rather than independently verified financial figures. Most of these pastors’ wealth typically derived not only from church income but also from investments and businesses. 

Based on the 2011 Forbes Magazine reports, the following pastors are consistently named among Nigeria’s richest. Forbes articles have identified David Oyedepo as Nigeria’s wealthiest pastor, with an estimated net worth of $150 million, alongside figures like Chris Oyakhilome and Matthew Ashimolowo as some of the richest.

1. Bishop David Oyedepo

Net Worth: $150 Million

Source of wealth: Comes from church, publishing (Dominion Publishing House), and educational institutions.

Church: Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel)

As of 2025, Bishop David Oyedepo’s net worth is often cited as around $150 million, though some estimates have placed it higher. He is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest preachers in the world. Oyedepo himself has disputed such valuations, famously calling a $150 million estimate an “insult” and stating that his wealth is in Christ Jesus.

His church network spans more than 300 cities globally. He also founded Covenant University and Landmark University.

Source of Wealth:

• Church offerings and tithes: As the founder and president of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel International, Oyedepo oversees a vast and prosperous ministry with millions of members globally.
• Educational institutions: He established and controls several prominent and profitable institutions, including Covenant University, Landmark University, and a network of secondary and primary schools called Faith Academies and Kingdom Heritage Model Schools.
• Publishing: His church operates Dominion Publishing House (DPH), which has published over 70 books written by Oyedepo and distributed millions of copies.
• Real estate: He owns extensive real estate holdings, including the massive Canaanland complex in Ota, which houses the Faith Tabernacle, a 50,000-seat auditorium.
• Businesses and investments: The church operates numerous for-profit businesses within its properties, such as a bakery, a bottled water plant, a petrol station, and restaurants. An investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in 2021 also revealed he set up an offshore company with his family in a tax haven.
• Private jets: Oyedepo’s lifestyle is notable for its extravagance, including a fleet of private jets. 

2. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Net Worth: 50 Million

Source of wealth: Includes satellite television channels, music productions, and publishing ventures.

Church: LoveWorld Incorporated (Christ Embassy).

A charismatic televangelist with a global ministry. The estimated net worth for Pastor Chris Oyakhilome in 2025 is between $50 million and $110 million. However, it is important to note that these figures are estimates and have been the subject of controversy and public debate for many years.

His wealth is tied to his role as founder of the global ministry LoveWorld Inc., also known as Christ Embassy.

Sources of wealth:

• Church and tithing: Oyakhilome’s Christ Embassy, which is known for its prosperity theology, encourages members to tithe and give large offerings with the promise of receiving financial blessings in return.
• Media empire: He built a vast media enterprise that includes:
  • LoveWorld TV: A global satellite television network that broadcasts Christian programming 24/7.
  • Digital media: The ministry runs several media ventures, including digital content and a smartphone messaging app called KingsChat.
• Publishing and music: Through Loveworld Publications, the ministry publishes Oyakhilome’s books and a monthly devotional, Rhapsody of Realities, which has sold millions of copies. Christ Embassy also has a music record label.
• Conferences and healing services: He hosts large-scale events, including “Higher Life Conferences” and “Night of Bliss,” in countries across the world. He also oversees the Healing School in Canada and South Africa.
• Controversies and financial scrutiny:
  • Money laundering accusation: A 2011 Forbes article reported on a previous money laundering allegation that involved accusations of siphoning funds from his church to foreign banks. Oyakhilome denied the claims, and the case was dismissed.
  • Charity solvency issues: In 2018, UK regulators declared Christ Embassy’s UK branch insolvent following financial mismanagement and late filing of financial statements.

3. Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Net Worth: $45 Million

Source of wealth: As general overseer, his wealth is linked to his extensive church network.

Church: Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

His ministry has thousands of branches both in Nigeria and abroad. Reports on Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s net worth vary, with some estimates placing it at around $45–$65 million. However, these are unofficial figures, as the wealth of religious leaders is rarely public or independently audited. He is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria’s largest and most influential Pentecostal churches.

Sources of wealth:

• Vast Church Network: As the leader of the RCCG, which has tens of thousands of branches worldwide, he oversees a massive organization with significant financial assets. The church itself is estimated to have a value of N800 billion Naira.
• Media and Publishing: Through the church, Pastor Adeboye earns substantial revenue from the sale of his sermons on tapes and DVDs, as well as his popular devotional books, like Open Heavens.
• Educational Institutions: The RCCG owns and operates Redeemer’s University, which has an estimated value of N5 billion Naira.
• Real Estate: The Redemption Camp, the RCCG’s headquarters, sits on 40,000 hectares of land and houses a massive auditorium, a university, and housing for church members.
• Luxury Assets: Reports indicate that Pastor Adeboye possesses several luxury items, including a private jet (a Gulfstream G550), a bulletproof Rolls-Royce Phantom, and other high-end vehicles.

4. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo

Net Worth: $20 Million

Source of wealth: His income comes from his annual church salary and his media company, which produces Christian literature and documentaries.

Church: Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC).

His London-based ministry is known for a large congregation and charismatic preaching. As of late 2025, estimates place Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo’s net worth between $15 and $20 million. He is the senior pastor of the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), which is headquartered in London.

Sources of wealth:

• Church and salary: Ashimolowo receives a salary from KICC. His annual compensation was reported as £100,000 in 2021 and $200,000 in a 2011 Forbes article. The church itself is a large and prosperous Pentecostal ministry.
• Media company: A significant portion of his income comes from his media company, Matthew Ashimolowo Media, which produces and sells Christian literature, documentaries, and other media.
• Investments and business ventures: He has various business interests outside of the church. In August 2024, Ashimolowo revealed that he lost around N200 million (approximately $250,000 USD at the time) from investing in Nigerian bank shares, following which he began advocating for real estate investment instead.
• Speaking engagements: As a well-known charismatic preacher, he likely receives income from speaking engagements at conferences and other events. 

5. Reverend Chris Okotie

Net Worth: $10 Million

Source of wealth: His wealth is attributed to his various endeavors, including his ministry.

Church: Household of God Church.

A former musician, he is known for his political aspirations and televangelism. Reverend Chris Okotie’s net worth is between $3 and $10 million according to Forbes. However, reports on the wealth of Nigerian pastors are usually speculative and not based on publicly available financial records. His wealth is attributed to a successful music career in the 1980s, the income from his church, and other business and political ventures.

He has run for president multiple times under his own political party, the Fresh Democratic Party. While his bids were unsuccessful, his campaigns show his extensive financial capacity. 

Like other wealthy pastors in Nigeria, Okotie has drawn criticism for his extravagant lifestyle in a country with high rates of poverty. For example, reports have detailed his collection of luxury cars, including a Mercedes S600, Hummer, and Porsche. Okotie has defended his wealth by stating it came from his pre-ministerial music career and other business ventures, separate from church offerings. 

Sources of wealth

• Music career: Before becoming a cleric, Okotie was a popular and successful pop musician in the 1980s. He later stated that he became the highest-paid artist in Nigeria in terms of royalties at that time. He made a significant amount of money from his music before converting to Christianity.
• Household of God Church: He founded the Household of God Church International Ministry in Lagos, which is known as one of Nigeria’s more flamboyant congregations. It attracts a membership that reportedly includes a large number of Nigerian celebrities.
• Investments and business interests: Okotie has various business interests. For example, his church was reported in 2014 to be constructing an 8-story school in Oregun, Lagos, and he personally owns properties, including the building that serves as the headquarters for his political party.
• Books and publications: Okotie has authored and sold books, with his 2001 work The Last Outcast being a bestseller. He also contributes to Nigerian newspapers.