WARRI, DELTA STATE — As 2026 kicks off, social media is once again buzzing with the name of one of Warri’s most influential sons, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. A resurfaced video from a 2019 ministration—showing the former CAN President requesting a $5,000 "seed" for a mantle—has reignited intense debate across TikTok and Instagram.
But while the internet fixates on the "seed-sowing" drama, the "Papa" of Word of Life Bible Church is focused on a much bigger testimony: his miraculous survival of aggressive cancer.
The Controversy: "Not for Sale"
In the trending clip, Oritsejafor is seen calling for 90 people to pledge $5,000 so as not to "miss God." Critics have been quick to revive the "billing" narrative, but the cleric has previously clarified his stance:
"I am too blessed to manipulate anyone. Those mantles were never for sale; they were symbolic gifts for those supporting global missions. My focus has always been souls, not silver."
The Warri Reality: A Season of Gratitude
Local residents and members of the International Gospel Centre (IGC), Warri, are pointing to a different side of the story. Just recently, Pastor Ayo moved the congregation to tears with a raw account of his secret battle with cancer.
The Testimony: While traveling to the US for treatment, Oritsejafor revealed he looked "normal" to the world while "full of cancer" inside.
The Vow: "I told God, if you save me, I will double my service," he declared.
The Return: While an acquaintance with the same condition reportedly returned in a casket, Oritsejafor walked back onto Nigerian soil on his own two feet—a miracle he celebrated during his 80th Birthday festivities in late 2025.
Why It Matters for Warri
For the people of Delta State, Oritsejafor remains more than just a viral clip. From the Eagle Heights University project to his role as a "global icon of faith," his influence in the Niger Delta remains unshaken by digital controversies.
As Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently noted during the cleric's birth anniversary, Oritsejafor’s 52 years of service in the Lord's vineyard are marked by "humility and exceptional patriotism."
The Verdict
Whether the $5,000 mantle request was a "ministry strategy" or "manipulation" remains a point of heated debate for outsiders. However, for those in Warri who witnessed his recent health battle, the story of Pastor Ayo in 2026 isn't about the money—it’s about a man who believes he is living on "borrowed time" to serve his city and his God.
Follow WarriVoice.com for more updates on local icons and trending Delta news.
Shows people will go at any length to sell fake news.
ReplyDelete