Bishop Oyedepo Tells Congregants to Give Kidnappers His Number, Citing Spiritual Authority

Context Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, recently advised congregants at his church's Canaanland headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, to give his contact information to abductors if kidnapped. Oyedepo stated he possesses the spiritual authority to secure their freedom, a declaration that quickly gained attention following the widespread circulation of a sermon clip online. This instruction offers a specific course of action to church members facing abduction.

Key Facts To reinforce his directive, Oyedepo recounted specific events he described as past instances of divine intervention. In one account, a pastor affiliated with the ministry was abducted. Oyedepo claimed he spoke directly to the kidnapper, issuing a stern warning that the abductor would die within 24 hours if the pastor was not released.

He stated the location of the call "was vibrating" during this exchange. In another narrated case, a female church member held captive declared she would regain her freedom by 7 a.m. Her abductors then allegedly began harming themselves before releasing her, according to his account.

Oyedepo also told congregants they hold similar spiritual authority. He encouraged them to recognize and apply it.

What It Means These instructions and recounted incidents reflect a spiritual approach presented against the backdrop of ongoing security challenges in Nigeria. The directive provides congregants with a specific instruction, rooted in the Bishop's declared spiritual power and claims of past intervention. This development brings the intersection of religious leadership and public safety narratives into focus within the country.

Observers will monitor how this guidance influences church members' responses to security threats and its broader perception among the public. The ongoing discussion highlights the varied strategies people consider amidst persistent security concerns.