Netizens have been abuzz with reactions to a video featuring Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi, the founder and general overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, announcing his relocation to London, United Kingdom. The video, which went viral on social media, shows Pastor Kumuyi during an interview in the UK, where he states, “Well, I’m from Nigeria, but I’m based in London, United Kingdom now. We belong to the Deeper Life Bible Church, which started in 1973 with 15 people, but now in Nigeria, we’re about one million in membership.”
He further mentioned that the church has grown significantly, with branches in over 60 countries, including 40 in the UK alone.
This revelation sparked a wave of mixed reactions from Nigerians online. Many criticized Pastor Kumuyi for relocating abroad, accusing him of hypocrisy. Some comments were particularly scathing, pointing out that while he urged Nigerians to pray for their country, he chose to move to a more comfortable and stable environment.
One user, @blochief, commented, “All the prayers he asked us to pray for Nigeria actually worked for him. To God be all the glory.” Another, @bookaaah, added, “After all the prayers and battles, baba still knows what is best for him. Jesus left a place of comfort and peace and went to preach to those that were threatening to kill him. 2024: Pastors are buying private jets and zooming to paradise 😂😂😂”
The backlash isn’t new for Kumuyi. In August 2023, during the post-election period, he faced criticism for urging Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration amidst ongoing controversies about his election victory and educational background. Kumuyi had advised, “If we support and accept them and if we are not criticizing their every step, we believe that God will walk through them and use them as instruments to build our nation.”
However, some netizens disputed the recency of the video, claiming it was old footage. @Stephenodofin commented, “How does the video here say he is based in the UK? Moreover, this video is many, many years ago. I think like 10 years ago.”
Another user, Pastor Okezie, with the handle @okeziex, stated, “This video of Pst WF Kumuyi stating that he is based in the UK was done in 2011, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR became President in 2023. But of course, being typical Myrmidons aka Ob!diots decided to attack Pastor Kumuyi who is currently in Cameroon preaching after leaving Abia state, Philippines, Dubai & now Cameroon preaching, and you dev!ls are dragging him as if the interview is recent.”
The ongoing debate highlights the strong feelings about leaders and their perceived responsibilities to their home countries, particularly in times of national difficulty.
