I’ve No Disagreement With Oyedepo & Oyakhilome – Pogu Oyemade: The Senior Pastor, Covenant Nation, Poju Oyemade, says he has no disagreement with the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Worldwide, David Oyedepo; and Christ Embassy Founder, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, as regards the closure of churches.
Both Oyedepo and Oyakhilome had earlier in the week faulted the closure of churches by the government as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Oyemade had, however, expressed a different view, saying the closure of churches would not hinder the Christian faith.
In a statement on Saturday, Oyemade clarified that he had expressed his view in an article long before Oyedepo spoke.
He, therefore, said it would be inappropriate for the media to say he was in disagreement with Oyedepo.
Oyemade wrote, “My attention has been drawn to articles going around some websites that an article I wrote on how one can remain effective during these times was written in response to Bishop Oyedepo’s statement on the closure of churches. That assumption/inference is simply incorrect.
“Facts can easily be verified by checking time-lines. My article was written before Bishop Oyedepo spoke. I do understand that certain narratives drive traffic to websites and sowing seeds of division does attract attention.
“I will like to make it clear and on record that my article was written 48 hours before he spoke. In the article, I did emphasize that criticizing other ministries and churches’ operations is not a sign of strength on one’s part, so the article contradicts the conclusions being inferred.”
Oyemade had been quoted as saying that the closure of churches does not in any way stop the Holy Spirit from working.
Several news reports had inferred from Oyemade’s statement, a “disagreement” with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and Bishop David Oyedepo who opposed the authorities for closing churches, saying they should be healing centres.