Segun Atanda/
Pastor Paul Obembe and his wife, Lady Evangelist Esther Obembe, have been accused of diverting over N4.6 million donated for their daughter’s surgery to personal use.
The funds were raised after a passionate online appeal spearheaded by MC Kenny Sikpiti, a concerned community member who later played a pivotal role in exposing the alleged misappropriation.
Sikpiti, who initially championed the fundraising campaign, uncovered the couple’s actions and confronted them in a viral interview that brought the scandal to public attention.
Newsmakerslive.org reports that the couple admitted to spending a significant portion of the funds on personal items, including motorcycle, power generator and public address system, among others.
These items were subsequently recovered from the couple by Sikpiti, with the assistance of the police.
Reacting to the incident, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ode Aye District, expressed its disappointment, condemning the couple’s actions as a breach of trust and a contradiction of Christian principles.
“The CAN body is not in any way in support of the actions of Pastor and Lady Evangelist Obembe as it is against our policy, polity, beliefs, and practices,” read a statement signed by Rev. Victor-Kehinde Bolatito, Secretary of CAN Ode Aye District.
Following the investigation, CAN appointed Pastors T.J. Ayeminimowa and G.I. Jaiyeola to oversee the couple’s church services, effectively suspending them from ministerial duties.
“This was done to protect the sacredness and sanctity of the pulpit until all charges have been sorted or settled,” the statement added.
Pastor Obembe and his wife defended their actions by claiming that the surgery had been postponed and they were expecting additional funds before the new date. However, this explanation failed to quell public outrage, as many criticised the betrayal of trust shown by the couple.
Sikpiti’s efforts have been widely praised, with many commending his determination to ensure justice for the donors who contributed to the fundraising campaign.
“Let all real Christians not mock them in their dark moments but pray for them to be brought back to the path of righteousness,” CAN urged in its statement, citing 1 Corinthians 10:12 as a reminder of human fallibility.
The case has prompted renewed calls for financial accountability among religious leaders, with demands for stricter oversight of donations meant for humanitarian causes.
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