religion
Apostle Suleman: Is It Payback For Festus Keyamo?
BY ADEMOLA PAUL
As first call, I would like to open my assessment of the state of the Church and the oppressed in Nigeria with a brotherly gesture at Barrister Festus Keyamo; his award of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) after eight attempts, and his latest appointment as the spokesman for the reelection bid of President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria.
It should be noted that Festus Keyamo is warmly referred by the majority as controversial not because he is the foulest of men, but because, he, as I have been privileged to discover, is a man who hunts with extreme anxiety and desire for results by any means possible. However, one of the most destructive of creative sins is deploying one’s talents against the success of fellow man.It is the death of creativity when bad blood is allowed to become an obstacle in man’s life.
That Nigeria is fast getting on the list of countries where the minority, and to a greater degree, the Church, is persecuted is an obvious fact. No thanks to actions of certain professionals, who, perhaps, unconsciously have been of vast assistance to plots against opposition voices.
This article is focused primarily on the alleged sex drama involving a man of God, Apostle Johnson Suleman, of which the lead actor, one Stephanie Otobo herself later confessed was falsehood and a plot organized by a clique that included those feared by Suleman’s bluntness on the Church matter and national issues as well as opportunists struggling to milk the cleric through the open. Interestingly, Stephanie Otobo mentioned Keyamo as one of the ring leaders of the aborted plan.
The partial war was so heated that Apostle Suleman’s church, sometime in March 2017, raised the alarm that the celebrity lawyer and some others had planned to publish Suleman’s cloned video clips in a desperate bid to prove that he had an amorous relationship with Otobo. It was not long after the church’s statement that series of corrupt images were released on the internet purported to be those of the cleric and the accuser. However, while the drama lasted, Festus Keyamo cleverly avoided direct connection. A lawyer from his Lagos chambers stood in all through.
It would be unfair to Apostle Suleman’s attackers to allude that he is a stranger to such plot. He is not because he has always stood tall speaking his mind like true Church leader. And the sign was obvious one clear month before the Otobo attack that indeed future surprises awaited him. The cleric had been ambushed one night by men of the State Security Service (DSS) while on a two-day crusade in Ekiti State alleging that he made inciting remarks at one of his church sermons. But for the state governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, who prevented them, the cleric would have been arrested and taken to Abuja that night.
His sin? Suleman had told members of his church that he received anonymous calls about Fulani herdsmen that were sent to attack him and he told his people that if any strange faces came around him, they were not there for prayers, so they had better responded.
What should be of concern around this matter is, whether indeed there’s any connection in the failed act of Festus Keyamo and his co-schemers against Apostle Suleman with the present government’s attitude toward the Church.
Is it payback for Keyamo who after eight failed attempts at securing the SAN title eventually was awarded by the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government? Note also that Festus Keyamo was just appointed the campaign spokesman for President Buhari’s second term ambition. These are questions disturbing the mind since the ugly attacks on Suleman, a firebrand preacher known for his bold traits as Oracle of God.
The sorry state of the modern Church is aptly captured in this legendary quote by Martin Luther King Jr; “So often, the contemporary church is a weak, ineffectual voice with an uncertain sound. So often, it is an arch-defender of the status quo. Far from being disturbed by the presence of the church, the power structure of the average community is consoled by the church’s silence and often even vocal sanction of things as they are.”
However, with a voice like Apostle Johnson Suleman’s, it is professed that the Church is not the master or the servant of the state but rather the conscience of the state. The Church must be the guide and the critic of the state and never its tool.
In order words, it is time the Church freed itself from the shackles of political correctness, speak the truth, and face the facts about the violent persecution of the poor, especially Christians.
The war is real against the oppressed and the climate of injustice and oppression is more prevalent in today’s Nigeria. The attempted plots at shutting down voices against persecution of the Church is manifest in the fact that Nigeria has become like a giant Ponzi scheme in which the sweat, toil and earnings of the masses used to improve the fortunes of a privileged class at the leadership level. This is the battle voices like Apostle Suleman are determined to win, possibly. Yet, this is the vision a category of people by action and inaction are positioned to kill.
The most common idiocy in Nigeria now is criticism of the Church of God and servants of God; the reproach is focused on tithing, first fruits, private jets, church-owned educational institutions, testimonies, teachings, and more. But such debate is unwise. It is a debate so flawed that no matter how smart one may feel, the moment you participate in it, you are in the realm of the stupid.
I do not say the Church is beyond criticism, it is not. But I strongly believe that the church leadership must be ready to face the moral challenge of the day and stand up and be counted.
-Deacon Ademola Paul writes from Igbosere, Lagos Island
Manipulation: Ignorance Is a License to Bondage — Dr. Chris Okafor
“Nothing honours until a spirit interferes.”
Manipulation, broadly defined, is the act of influencing or controlling a person or situation through subtle or overt tactics for personal advantage. In many cases, such influence is perfected through spiritual interference, because the spiritual realm ultimately governs the physical.
This profound subject formed the focus of the midweek non-denominational Prophetic Healing, Deliverance and Solutions (PHDS) Service ministered by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Worldwide, Dr. Chris Okafor, at the international headquarters of the ministry in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
Speaking on the topic “Manipulation”, with the subtitle “The Spiritual Aspect,” Dr. Okafor explained that manipulation exists in two dimensions: demonic manipulation and divine manipulation.
Demonic Manipulation
According to the Generational Prophet, demonic manipulation represents the negative expression of spiritual control, where individuals are influenced by the spirit of darkness to act contrary to their true intentions and divine purpose.
He noted that under demonic manipulation, people often say or do things their inner conscience did not authorize, acting solely under satanic influence. This, he explained, accounts for the increasing hostility, false accusations, and defamatory statements directed at genuine servants of God in contemporary times.
“Many people speak evil against true men of God, maligning those sent by God to help them. Often, it is not entirely their fault—it is the work of demonic manipulation,” he stated.
Dr. Okafor, however, offered reassurance, emphasizing that a prayerful life and proper spiritual alignment provide immunity against such attacks. He stressed that when a believer is connected to a spiritual father and guided correctly, no level of manipulation can stop destiny or destroy God-ordained blessings.
He warned that unchecked manipulation can damage destiny and limit access to divine blessings.
Divine Manipulation
The Prophet further taught that just as there is demonic manipulation aimed at destruction, there is also divine manipulation—the intervention of God to protect, guide, and align His people with His eternal purpose.
“If there is a demon manipulating destinies wrongly, there is also a God in heaven who divinely interferes to preserve glory,” he declared.
Dr. Okafor explained that believers who understand the principles of serving God in truth and in spirit operate under divine manipulation, where God orchestrates events in their favour. Under such covering, no demonic manipulation can prevail.
He added that consistent prayer, commitment to kingdom service, partnership with God’s work, and active soul-winning neutralize every form of demonic interference.
Solutions to Manipulation
According to Dr. Okafor, the ultimate safeguard against manipulation is a disciplined prayer life and total commitment to the things of God. Such spiritual alignment ensures that no demonic influence can infiltrate a believer’s path.
The PHDS midweek service witnessed a mighty move of the Holy Spirit, marked by deliverance, healings, miracles, restoration, and divine solutions to numerous cases presented before Elohim, the God of Grace Nation.
religion
Prophet Israel Oladele’s Genesis Global 2025 Harvest of New Dimension seeks to empower 5,000 widows and widowers in Lagos
Prophet Israel Oladele’s Genesis Global 2025 Harvest of New Dimension seeks to empower 5,000 widows and widowers in Lagos
…Hallel Night of Praise comes with high expectations.
The Genesis Global Harvest of New Dimension has arrived. There remains something exceptional and distinctive about the life of this esteemed man of God, Genesis, whose generosity and concern for welfare have set him apart and made him stand out among his peers.
Some may suggest that this is no longer news, as they might perceive it as an annual routine; however, it’s breaking news at our disposal because this year’s harvest of new Dimension is already causing some individuals to think in suspense due to the massive preparation becoming mind-blowing and creating a climax atmosphere.
It is undeniable that Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, fondly referred to as Genesis, hosts an annual Adults Harvest that has become a prominent event, characterized by numerous funfairs and jamborees from the Friday Hallel Night of Praise to the Sunday Harvest of New Dimension Thanksgiving.
Evidently, no harvest has ever been planned in this manner in the history of the CCC Lagos chapter, as Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe has redefined and transformed the doctrine of harvest of CCC through his divine wisdom with his Genesis Global family.
As of the time of filing this report, Prophet Genesis’ media aide, Oluwaseun Fabiyi, has confirmed that all hotels within the Dalemo, Alakuko, Abule Egba to Sango Otta axis have been fully booked due to the arrival of dignitaries from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Israel, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ondo, Ekiti, Kano, and Kaduna, who have come to celebrate with the prophet of God, resulting in potential difficulties for Lagosians seeking hotel accommodations.
A glimpse from the 2024 Hallel Night of Praise, which suddenly became the talk of the town when Prophet Genesis rode a decorated horse from backstage to the edifice altar, changing the atmosphere and shocking many attendees with this experience reminiscent of Lord Jesus Christ’s ride on a donkey, demonstrating Prophet Genesis’ divine wisdom in incorporating innovative elements into Genesis Global programs.
The 2025 Hallel Night of Praise, slated for Friday, 19 December 2025, at Genesis Global City, Dalemo Alakuko, off Duro Ishola Street, Lagos, is highly anticipated by many.Hallel Night of Praise is a specially designed evening of worship, created to complement the adult harvest, providing an opportunity for thanksgiving and heartfelt praise to God Almighty, who values and responds to fervent and sincere prayers – a fundamental principle that has fostered prayer answers, church growth, and expansion within the Genesis Global community.
Get ready for a night of unbridled praise and worship as Hallel Night of Praise brings together a stellar lineup of gospel artists, featuring the host, Genesis Global Choir, Elijah Daniels, Oyinkansola, Tobi Akuraku, CCioma, Erniola Olusoga, Minister Olalekan, Dare Oxygen, Titilayo Euba, and other anointed ministers of God, all set to create a night of open heavens and intense praise, kicking off at 8pm and going through until dawn.
Prior to this event and as part of this special 2025 harvest of a new dimension, Saturday, the 20th has been designated for Genesis Global Foundation empowerment, where thousands of widows, widowers, elderly men, and women will be empowered by the prophet of God through the Genesis Global Foundation.
The grand finale, taking place on Sunday, 21 December 2025, will be a special Sunday of new dimension harvest of thanksgiving, beginning at 9am promptly with various spiritual activities and prophetic declarations.
A statement from Prophet Israel Genesis’ media aide, Oluwaseun Fabiyi, confirmed that the harvest committee has made comprehensive arrangements to cater to the needs of all international dignitaries and attendees, with the welfare of individuals being paramount, alongside provisions for maximum security within Genesis Global City and its surroundings. In addition, this power pack program will feature an awards and recognition segment, where the elderly and widows, and widowers will receive cash grants and food items, and others will receive food items to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
The statement cited Prophet Genesis, who articulated that the motivation behind this initiative is to empower a multitude of vulnerable individuals without the means to participate in the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, while also ensuring their basic needs are met.
According to Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, also known as Genesis, in a statement to his media aide, Oluwaseun Fabiyi, the Genesis Global Church Annual Harvest is a time for people to express gratitude to God for a fruitful year at Genesis Global City, and also a time for people to experience God’s power, as testified by previous celebrations.
He further encourages individuals to experience the transformative power of God, as past events have demonstrated that it is an opportunity not only to celebrate but also to witness breakthroughs, divine encounters, and new opportunities. Save the date for the Hallel Night of Praise, from Friday, 19th to Sunday, 21st December 2025.
Why I took a break from music— Denny Zee
Upwardly mobile afrobeats sensation, Denny Zee has explained the reason behind his short break from the music scene. For almost two years, the Epe, Lagos born singer, songwriter and producer had been off the scene, but he’s currently back with a new cut titled ‘Werk’.
Denny Zee described ‘Werk’ as a piece of art that will surpass the records of his previous hits -‘Joh’, ‘Bana,’ and ‘Tender’.
Formerly signed to Nuul Gang, a Sweden-based record label owned by an international DJ, Denny Zee’s career took on a global outlook through collaborations and international releases that expanded his artistic reach.
”I took the short break to strategize, and now I’m stepping into a new era of rebranding, redefining my identity and sound. My upcoming projects — including new singles and a highly anticipated EP — promises a richer, bolder expression of my message: joy, hustle, struggle, resilience, and the unapologetic pursuit of dreams, wrapped in the allure of a confident, charismatic artist who isn’t afraid to show both his strength and sensuality,” Denny Zee said.
He added that “I’m presently standing at the intersection of soul and sound — a singer, songwriter, and producer shaping the next wave of Afro music with authenticity, creativity, and unshakable drive. Open to collaboration and new sonic adventures. I’m not just chasing success, I’m building a legacy, one record at a time.”
Raised in the heart of Lagos, Denny Zee’s journey began as a young dreamer determined to channel the storm inside him. With the support of his musically inclined brothers, he found direction and discipline, transforming raw passion into a craft. What started in local studios has since grown into an artistic identity that bridges continents and generations.
Denny Zee’s sound is an intoxicating blend of Afrobeat, Afrofusion, Afroswing, and Reggaeton, laced with R&B and Soul. It’s music that grooves and moves, but also speaks — balancing rhythm with reflection. His influences — Fela Kuti, Shabba Ranks, Sean Paul, Wande Coal, Burna Boy, and Wizkid — helped shape his sound, but his individuality gives it a modern heartbeat uniquely his.
As both a songwriter and producer, Denny Zee’s artistry goes beyond his own discography. He has written and produced numerous songs, collaborating with major artists including Rude Boy of the legendary P-Square duo and the Afrobeat duo Bracket, among others. His creative fingerprint runs deep across the industry — blending storytelling, melody, and emotion with precision and authenticity.
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