Pastor Paul Adefarasin Sparks Controversy, Says Nigeria Not Created by God but by Colonial Powers

Also Read

Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, has ignited a nationwide debate after declaring during a Sunday sermon that Nigeria was not divinely founded but rather constructed by colonial interests for Britain’s economic advantage.

“Nigeria Was Not Created by God”

Addressing his congregation, Adefarasin dismissed the belief that Nigeria was established by divine will, insisting that the nation’s foundation was a product of colonial agreements and conquests.

“Nigeria, I do not believe it was created by God. I believe that Elizabeth I entered into a deal with the Ottoman Empire, and as far as Africa was concerned, two empires got together and decided which lands would go to the sons of Ishmael,” he said, referencing historical accounts he attributed to the book The Martyrdom of Man.

He stressed that Nigeria’s constitution lacks legitimacy since it was “imposed by soldiers rather than by the people.” Citing Psalm 11:3, he likened the country’s fragile state to a building raised on a faulty foundation.

Criticism of Governance and Corruption

The cleric further condemned governance failures and corruption in Nigeria, pointing to poorly executed road projects as examples of systemic rot.

“Somebody suggested to me that they deliberately build substandard roads so they can get the same contract next year. That means that someone making decisions has no sense of equity and justice,” he said.

Founding Fathers Dismissed

In a controversial remark, Adefarasin rejected the common narrative that Nigeria’s nationalist leaders — Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, and Nnamdi Azikiwe — were the true founding fathers of the nation.

Instead, he attributed the country’s creation to British officials in Whitehall, Lord Lugard, and Lugard’s girlfriend, whom he claimed coined the name “Nigeria.”

“This nation was created for the business of the British purse so they wouldn’t have to bear the bill for the less prosperous parts of the country,” he asserted.

Reactions Expected

The sermon has drawn widespread attention, with many Nigerians divided on social media. While some applauded the cleric for “speaking truth to power,” others criticized his remarks as historically misleading and potentially divisive.

Political analysts suggest the statement could spark renewed discussions about Nigeria’s colonial past, constitutional legitimacy, and ongoing governance challenges.

Watch the video Below: