THE QUESTION: Did Bishop Oyedepo really threaten to ‘open the gates of hell’?

On Sunday January 25, 2015, the Boko Haram sect launched what was arguably its most daring attack on any state. Its fighters invaded Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, one day after President Goodluck Jonathan and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held a presidential campaign rally in the town.

It was the first time ever that Boko Haram was attempting to seize a state capital. Thankfully, that takeover bid was scuppered by the efforts of the Nigerian military and civilian volunteer fighters.

A few hours later, a reliable source informed TheCable of a major corollary development: members of the advance campaign team sent by the president to Maiduguri were trapped in the town, following the attack. Those trapped were basically from the president’s media, security and medical teams. But an enraged reader felt TheCable was missing out on a newsworthier occurrence.

“TheCable sef don dey disappoint me. How is that newsworthy?” he fumed. “What happened to the gate of hell Oyedepo decreed”?

In the hours to come, the social media – Twitter, particularly – was awash with claims that David Oyedepo, founder and general overseer of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), threatened to “open the gates of hell” against those opposed to President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid.

THE JONATHAN VISIT

It was not the first time that Jonathan and Oyedepo would be together. On Monday, January 12 when Jonathan visited Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Oyedepo was in attendance. Also present was Enoch Adeboye, general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Jonathan’s fascination with pastors is well-documented and both men were naturally believed to have attended the meeting at his instance.

On Sunday January 25 when he was with Oyedepo for the second time in two weeks, he was paying a “surprise” visit to the church during its third service. Both men had the chance to talk, Jonathan speaking either side of the pastor’s two appearances. So, what did they say? Did Jonathan request the bishop to open the gates of hell? Or did the bishop of his volition decide hell was best destination for Jonathan’s opponents and he, as a man of God should open its gates, as has been suggested? What exactly were their words?

OYEDEPO FIRST

To the glory of God, we have a very special guest in our midst, the president of the Federal republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Give the lord a big hand. Your excellency, you are welcome. Please be seated; get seated everyone. Amen.

In the course of this service, he will be bringing us special greetings. Expect, today, to return with whatever desires you came back with, in Jesus name.

Once again, with a big clap offering, welcome Mr. president to our midst…

I will like this congregation in this third service to join me and receive on this altar, for a word of greatness, a blessing from the father of the nation, to this congregation. Please join me welcome Mr. President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as he brings us a word from the lord.

JONATHAN NEXT

Thank you, my brethren. Please be seated. My Bishop, thank you so much and our mummy, Mama Faith Oyedopo, I have to thank you so much and other clergy men and women here with us, my brethren.

First, let me thank God that I’m here with you today. I’ve been wanting to join you in one of your special programmes, but it has not been possible because of the circumstances of my office. Today, I’m quite happy that something brought us to Lagos since yesterday; we’ll leave tonight. And I said that at least, I must be with you today.

First, to use this platform to sincerely thank you all and indeed the Nigerian Christians for your persistent prayers for the nation. Of course everybody knows what we are passing through as a nation. We try to imbibe cultures that are alien to Nigeria; we imitate others, especially when it has to be something that is negative, and the country is passing through some challenges of insecurity. It could have been worse than that; it could have been worse than what we are seeing today if you’ve not been praying. With your prayers and the commitment of government, we will surely overcome it.

Let me specially thank our leader, father, our bishop, for his commitment to the work of God, and his commitment to bringing up the young ones. This is one church that has established two universities, which is not easy.

Education is the key, maybe because of my own background. I came from a very humble background, and I say if I didn’t go to school I wouldn’t have been here with you today. So my emphasis is that for you to liberate people, you must create opportunities platforms, for them to be educated, and this church has been doing wonderfully well in that direction.

So I have to commend you; I thank you and use this opportunity to also continue to  plead with you to do what you have been doing wonderfully well, that is to continue to pray for the country. Pray for the nation and pray for the successful elections that will come up next month.

A number of people are predicting quite a number of things, but I know that God almighty has the control of our lives. God will make sure that we will conduct our elections peacefully and this country will continue to move to the direction we want.

My brothers and sisters, I appreciate what you have been doing. I wouldn’t want to say much so that they would not say I come here to campaign. But I sincerely appreciate the good work you have been doing; and with your good work, with your prayers,  as a nation, we will continue to grow from strength to strength. I thank you all.