Osun-based cleric, Bishop Seun Adeoye, has revealed that the majority of Nigerian pastors are facing serious financial challenges, pushing back against the widespread belief that clergy members generally live wealthy lifestyles.
Adeoye disclosed that fewer than two per cent of pastors in Nigeria could genuinely be described as rich, noting that the public perception of pastors as affluent has created unnecessary pressure, mistrust, and suspicion toward Christian ministers.
He made the remarks on Sunday in Okinni during the unveiling of his ministry’s 2026 watchword, in the presence of church members and invited guests.
The cleric, who also serves as the Acting Nuncio of the World Bishops Council in Africa and the International Communications Director of the Worldwide Anglican Church, described the assumption that pastors are wealthy because of tithes and offerings as misleading.
“It is an erroneous belief and a satanic attack on the Church to assume that all pastors are rich because of tithes and offerings,” Adeoye said.
While acknowledging that some pastors in Nigeria are indeed wealthy, he stressed that they make up only a very small fraction of the clergy nationwide. According to him, even their wealth does not always come from church offerings.
“Yes, it is true that some men of God in Nigeria are very rich, but they are less than two per cent. The fact is that their sources of possessions may not necessarily be through the collection of tithes and offerings,” he added.
Adeoye also criticised wealthy church leaders for becoming disconnected from struggling pastors across the country.
“Unfortunately, these wealthy General Overseers and pastors have built tall walls around themselves, publicly showcasing their affluence but ignoring the cries of ministers of God struggling for survival,” he said.
He lamented situations where large sums of money are donated for projects such as feeding animals, while many pastors and their families reportedly struggle with hunger and basic needs.
Calling on affluent pastors to support their less privileged colleagues, Adeoye urged them to reflect the compassion and character of Christ.
“When you are raised up by God’s grace, you should look down and lend helping hands to others in need. That is the character of Jesus Christ,” he said.
He further referenced the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, encouraging wealthy church leaders to examine how much support they have extended to pastors outside their own ministries.
Looking ahead, Adeoye also urged Nigerians and Christians in particular to prepare for 2026, describing it as a year of “Forward Movement,” while encouraging believers to remain hopeful and expect God’s blessings in the coming year.
