A former pastor with the Deeper Christian Life Ministry has made startling revelations about his financial compensation and the circumstances that led to his departure from the prominent church. Pastor Dr Great Olalekan Martins, who now leads the Word and Life Christian Ministries, disclosed that his monthly salary was a mere twenty-five thousand Naira (N25,000) with no additional benefits.
The Allegations of Wrongdoing and Salary Deductions
In a detailed Facebook post, Martins stated that his exit was precipitated by actions from more than two overseers within the Deeper Life Church structure, which he described as evil and beyond his imagination. He specifically pointed to an overseer in the Kabba region of the church.
The cleric accused the overseer of fraudulently deducting money from his already meagre salary. According to Martins, this was done under the guise of a 'GS' deduction, despite an existing order from the church's General Superintendent, Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi, to stop such practices.
Martins contrasted his N25,000 stipend with the overseer's reported earnings, claiming the latter received around three hundred thousand Naira (N300,000) monthly from Lagos, alongside allowances for health, children's school fees, and transportation.
Frustrated Efforts and Public Reaction
The former pastor lamented that all his attempts to bring these issues directly to Pastor Kumuyi's attention were blocked and frustrated. He blamed a poor internal communication system within the church and the overseers themselves for preventing his grievances from reaching the top.
His public disclosure has ignited a firestorm of mixed reactions on social media. Some commenters sympathized with his plight, while others criticized him for airing the church's dirty laundry in public.
Social Media Weighs In
One user, Bamisaye Caleb Bugzydemics, challenged the narrative, suggesting the root of the problem lay with the leadership that created such a disparity in pay scales. "The Sokoto of the problem is G.S and that's where your bomb should land," the user commented, implying the General Superintendent should bear ultimate responsibility.
Others, like Evangelist Emmanuel Igang, offered a spiritual rebuke, stating such revelations "tarnish the image of the body of Christ" and provide an opening for the devil. Another commenter, Joseph Arema, simply warned, "Watch what you say for heaven sake."
The debate highlights a growing tension between transparency among religious workers and the traditional sanctity of church administration, particularly within one of Nigeria's most influential Pentecostal ministries.
