LAGOS: Prophet Ebuka Obi of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach has publicly distanced himself from a woman who recently claimed to have bought a house worth ₦500 million during her testimony at his church.
In a viral video that spread across X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the cleric denied any personal association with the woman and accused her of making false statements about both God and the church’s altar.
The controversy emerged after it was revealed that the woman allegedly fabricated her testimony, sparking a wave of online debate.
Responding to the situation, Prophet Obi made it clear that he had no prior connection with the woman. He explained that, like many others, she had simply come forward with what seemed to be a personal story of triumph. He further stated, “I warned last month that my name would be all over the media. The media will try to make it seem real, but it’s all a lie.
Prophet Ebuka Obi, the leader of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, has distanced himself from a woman who recently made a dramatic testimony at his church, claiming that she had purchased a house worth ₦500 million.
The story quickly gained traction on social media, with a viral video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, in which the cleric categorically denied any personal connection with the woman and accused her of fabricating her story in a bid to deceive both the congregation and the wider public.
The woman, whose name has not been disclosed, reportedly shared her testimony during a church service, stating that through the prayers and spiritual guidance offered by Prophet Obi, she had been able to purchase a multi-million-naira property.
The claim, which was initially met with awe and praise by some members of the congregation, sparked widespread discussion online. However, the situation quickly took a dramatic turn when allegations surfaced that the woman had lied about the entire story.
In a bid to clarify the matter, Prophet Obi released a statement, emphasizing that he had no personal relationship with the woman and had never interacted with her outside of the usual church services.
He explained that many people come to the church to share what they believe are testimonies of divine intervention in their lives, but not all of these stories are authentic. He specifically pointed out that this woman’s claim was completely fabricated.
Addressing the controversy, Obi took to the media to make his position clear. “I’ve been warning for months that my name would be all over the media, and this is just the beginning.
The media will try to make it look real, they will make it seem like the truth, but it’s all fake,” he said, referring to the attention his ministry has garnered in recent weeks.
He continued, “This is not the first time someone has come to share a story, and I suspect it won’t be the last. But I cannot, and will not, stand behind any lies that are being told in my name or under the guise of my ministry. This is a clear attempt to manipulate the faith of others for personal gain.
The Prophet’s statement has brought attention to the growing trend of exaggerated or entirely fabricated testimonies that some individuals use to gain favor or attention within religious communities.
Some observers have questioned whether such incidents are symptomatic of a larger issue within certain church circles, where material success is sometimes falsely attributed to divine intervention in order to inspire faith and increase the credibility of the ministry.
The viral video, which has since gained millions of views, also features Prophet Obi reaffirming his commitment to transparency and integrity. I have always said that my ministry is based on truth and righteousness, and I will continue to stand by those principles.
If anyone tries to use my name or my church for personal gain or to spread falsehoods, I will not hesitate to distance myself from them.”
The incident has sparked a debate among churchgoers and the general public, with many defending Prophet Obi’s position, while others have criticized the woman’s actions. Some have questioned the ethics of individuals who fabricate testimonies for personal or financial gain, while others have pointed out that such incidents can tarnish the reputation of genuine religious leaders and ministries.
While the woman’s motives remain unclear, this situation has undoubtedly raised important questions about the responsibility of both church leaders and congregants in ensuring the authenticity of testimonies shared in religious settings.
Prophet Obi’s firm stance against falsehoods appears to be part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of his ministry and safeguard his followers from any deceptive practices.
The controversy surrounding the woman’s testimony is likely to be the subject of continued discussion in both religious and social media circles in the coming weeks.
Prophet Obi’s clear condemnation of the false testimony seems to reflect his desire to maintain the credibility of his ministry and to disassociate himself from any false claims that could potentially damage his reputation or the trust of his followers.
