“They Were Still Children When I Started Preaching” — Rev. Omolehin Fires Back at Critics

By Desmond

Reverend Isaac Omolehin, founder of Word Assembly Ministries in Ilorin, Kwara State, has hit back at critics who have attacked his views on Christianity and church denominations, describing some of them as “small boys” compared with the length of his preaching ministry.

Omolehin made the controversial remarks during an interview in which he spoke about his opposition to denominational divisions within Nigerian Christianity and the criticism he has received from Christian organisations.

According to the cleric, some of those attacking him have not been in ministry for nearly as long as he has. He said he had been preaching as an evangelist since 1975 and had spent decades travelling, preaching and conducting crusades.

“They called me names, but those are small boys whose mothers were not married when I started preaching,” Omolehin said during the interview.

He added that he regarded his critics as people whose opinions would not stop him from continuing his work. He also referred to some of his detractors as “sons of Belial.”

The reverend's comments come amid his outspoken criticism of denominationalism in Nigeria. Omolehin argued that Christians should focus more on their shared faith rather than divisions among denominations.

He said the divisions among Christians have become deeply rooted and maintained that Nigeria needs respected Christian leadership capable of bringing believers from different denominations together.

Omolehin also disclosed that his outspoken position has attracted opposition from some churches. He stated that the Baptist Church had recently banned him from preaching in its churches, but insisted that such actions would not force him to abandon his beliefs.

The cleric further revealed that his ministry and family had faced serious security concerns. He claimed that police officers had visited his camp after reports that bandits and kidnappers were planning an attack, leading people living there to evacuate.

According to him, the situation has affected his personal life, saying he has been unable to return to his home and has had to move around for security reasons.

Despite these challenges, Omolehin maintained that his preaching has continued. He said he could preach on the streets or through radio and insisted that opposition from critics and social media attacks would not stop his ministry.

The reverend also reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as Puritan and holiness preaching, saying that after decades in ministry, he has no intention of changing his beliefs simply because people disagree with him.

His latest comments are likely to generate further debate, particularly because of the strong language he used in responding to those who criticise his religious views.

My View: Omolehin's remarks are undeniably provocative, but they also reflect the growing tension surrounding debates over denominationalism and religious leadership in Nigeria. While experience can give a preacher authority, criticism is also part of public ministry. The bigger question is whether disagreements among Christian leaders can be settled through meaningful dialogue rather than personal attacks.

Source: The Punch, interview with Reverend Isaac Omolehin,