Archbishop Onyeke debunks death rumour, says he is alive and active in ministry

The Founder and General Overseer of Faith Assembly Prophetic Ministry Incorporated Worldwide, Archbishop Onyeke Onyeke, has urged the public to disregard rumours circulating about his death, insisting that he remains “hale and hearty” while fully committed to his ministerial assignment.

Archbishop Onyeke made the clarification in Warri, Delta State, during an interaction with journalists. He explained that the statement became necessary after reports resurfaced claiming he had died, a rumour he described as false and misleading.

He suggested that the renewed circulation of the rumour may be the handiwork of detractors threatened by his rising influence. According to him, the false reports caused confusion among worshippers and residents many of whom travelled to his church to verify whether he was still alive.

Narrating a recent encounter, the cleric said he gave a man a ride from DSC Expressway to the Effurun/Sapele Road area, only for the passenger to refer to him as a “late man of God.” He said the man expressed shock upon realising that the person driving him was the same Archbishop Onyeke believed by some to have died years ago.

The preacher added that members of the public, including residents from Ughelli, the mechanic village near his church, and other neighbouring communities, also visited recently to confirm the rumour. He noted that many who attended services were surprised to see him “strong and healthy.”

Archbishop Onyeke acknowledged that he once suffered a serious illness more than a decade ago, which led to similar false claims at the time. He expressed surprise that the rumour had resurfaced after so many years, insisting that certain individuals were deliberately spreading the lies to weaken his ministry.

Turning to national matters, he expressed concern over the rising insecurity across Nigeria, particularly the plight of Christians in northern communities whom he said remain vulnerable and insufficiently protected. He criticised the federal government for what he described as a weak response to terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

The cleric welcomed reports that the United States may support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, saying any assistance that could save lives was a positive development. He warned those contributing to the country’s insecurity to repent, cautioning that divine judgment would not spare those responsible for violence and unrest.