Founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, William Kumuyi, has dismissed suggestions that any of his sons could succeed him as leader of the church.
Kumuyi made the clarification in a video that has gained attention online, where he responded to public discussions surrounding the future leadership of the ministry and speculation about a possible family succession plan.
Addressing the issue, the veteran cleric said the church does not belong to any individual and therefore cannot be inherited by a family member. He stressed that the ministry belongs to Jesus Christ, whom he described as the true owner and builder of the church.
According to Kumuyi, many people have been asking questions about his sons and whether one of them is being prepared to take over the leadership of the church. However, he rejected the idea, maintaining that no church leader has the authority to transfer ownership of a church to his children.
Drawing references from biblical figures, Kumuyi noted that early Christian leaders did not pass leadership of the church to their descendants. He argued that the work of the church should remain focused on advancing God’s kingdom rather than family inheritance.
The cleric stated unequivocally that he has no plans to hand over the ministry to any of his sons, adding that the future of the church should be determined by God’s will.
His remarks come amid ongoing conversations about succession practices in some Nigerian churches, where leadership transitions have occasionally remained within the families of founding pastors. Kumuyi’s comments are likely to fuel further debate on the issue of hereditary succession in religious organisations across the country.