A clergyman identified as Pastor Peter Godwin has alleged that the Living Faith Church International, popularly known as Winners Chapel, sacked him and about 40 other pastors in Ekiti State for failing to generate enough income in their parishes.
The cleric made the claim in a video which has since gone viral. He claimed to have been employed on August 28, 2020 and was invited alongside others by the state pastor on July 1, 2021.
Godwin said, “When I got there, I saw other pastors too, over 40 of them. So, I joined them.
“A few minutes later, we were [each] issued a letter. I opened the content of the letter to see what was there and I saw that it was a sack letter.
“So, I called the management the next day to find out what happened since I wasn’t involved in any dubious activity or evil act. I was told by the management that the church doesn’t operate at a loss.
“They also told me that the total income that is being generated from my station should be able to cater for my welfare and accommodation, so as a result of low income, I’m hereby dismissed.”
A letter dated June 25, 2021 and signed by the church’s executive secretary, Adebisi Aboluwade, asked the affected pastors to vacate their official accommodation and hand over their identity cards to their respective area pastors.
The letter read, “Consequent upon the recent performance reviews which revealed that your church growth index falls below expectations.
“Please be informed that your services as a pastor in charge are no longer required from this commission with immediate effect.
“You are to vacate the official accommodation (where applicable) and hand over all properties of the ministry in your custody, including your staff identity card to the area pastor before departure.
“May you find grace for a new beginning. Peace.”
PUNCH quoted a source within the church who said the church’s action had nothing to do with money; rather it involved membership growth.
