 |
| L-r: Senior Pastor of The Covenant Nation, Poju Oyemade and Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, General Evangelist, CAC Nigeria and Overseas |
 |
| Senior Pastor of The Covenant Nation, Poju Oyemade ministering |
By Haddasah Emmanuel
ERIO-EKITI, EKITI STATE – Senior Pastor of The Covenant Nation, Poju Oyemade, has stirred widespread discussion across Christian circles following his heartfelt reflection after ministering at the annual revival programme held at the historic Mountain of Mercy (Ori Oke Aanu).
In a message shared after the event, Pastor Poju expressed profound gratitude to Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji and the entire Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) family for the invitation. He wrote: "I was invited to bless but left there as the one blessed. Sacred things happened.
Something was imparted into me. I thank the CAC heritage." His remarks came after participating in the ongoing Erio 2026 Power Explosion, a major revival gathering convened by Prophet Hezekiah at the renowned prayer mountain founded through the ministry legacy of Ayo Babalola.
The statement has been interpreted by many as more than a testimony of a spiritual experience. Observers say it reflects a growing appreciation for the rich heritage of indigenous Nigerian Pentecostal movements, particularly the spiritual legacy of CAC, which played a foundational role in shaping modern Pentecostal Christianity in Nigeria. The Erio revival remains one of the country's most recognized prayer gatherings, attracting worshippers from across Nigeria and beyond.
Many Christian leaders and commentators have described Pastor Poju as a "bridge builder" within the Nigerian church landscape. Known for his intellectual teachings, leadership conferences and engagement with professionals, he has often been recognized for connecting older revival traditions with contemporary Pentecostal expressions. Even his ministry profile describes him as someone who serves as a bridge between generations and diverse Christian communities.
The significance of his Erio visit lies in the symbolic meeting of two streams of Pentecostalism often viewed as distinct—the indigenous revival heritage represented by CAC and the urban, contemporary Pentecostal movement represented by churches such as The Covenant Nation. For many observers, Poju's acknowledgment of receiving from the CAC tradition reinforces the idea that spiritual depth transcends denominational and cultural boundaries.
Reactions from Christian Community
Adebayo Ogunleye, church commentator
"This is humility at its finest. A respected modern Pentecostal leader openly appreciating the heritage of CAC sends a powerful message to the body of Christ."
Damilola Akinyemi, X user
"Pastor Poju has always been a bridge between generations. He understands that revival did not start with social media and conference halls."
Evangelist Moses Afolabi
"The fathers dug deep wells. What happened at Erio shows that the younger generation of leaders still value those wells."
Grace Ojo, worship leader
"This is the kind of unity the church needs. Less competition, more appreciation of God's work in different traditions."
Pastor Emmanuel Adebisi
"When Poju says something was imparted into him, many people should pay attention. Erio is not just a location; it is a heritage of prayer and consecration."
Tosin Adekunle, Christian blogger
"The beauty of this moment is seeing 'posh Pentecostalism' and indigenous Pentecostalism meet without superiority. That's maturity."
As conversations continue online, many believers see Pastor Poju's comments as a reminder that the future of Nigerian Christianity may be strengthened not by division, but by mutual respect between revival heritage and contemporary ministry expressions. For many, the Erio encounter has become a symbol of unity, humility and the enduring relevance of Nigeria's indigenous Pentecostal roots.
