A pastor who once served as an usher at Prophet Odumeje’s church has come forward with detailed revelations about the cleric’s early ministry, sharing surprising stories and lesser-known secrets that many people have never heard before.
Pastor CC Israel, who revealed these insights in a lengthy Facebook post, explained that he voluntarily worked as an usher at the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention Deliverance Ministry in Onitsha during the early 2000s, long before Odumeje became widely known for his dramatic, comedic style.
Dressing Like Pastor Chris
Israel described Prophet Odumeje, whose real name is Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, as a calm, gentle preacher in his early days—far different from the energetic and theatrical figure people now see on social media.
According to him, Odumeje modeled his ministry after Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, copying his dressing, appearance, and preaching pattern. He recalled that Odumeje often wore white suits paired with white shoes, styled his hair in a similar fashion, and even adopted Pastor Chris’ accent during sermons.
Israel added that Odumeje’s movements during deliverance sessions also mimicked the LoveWorld leader, including the signature leg-flips and hand-in-pocket gestures that Pastor Chris was known for in earlier years.
Transformation from Gentle Preacher to Comedic Cleric
The former usher emphasized that the flamboyant, comedic, and highly dramatic persona that Odumeje is now known for was not originally part of his ministry identity.
He explained that although he personally enjoys the humorous evolution of Odumeje’s brand, a part of him still wishes the cleric had remained with the calm, Pastor Chris-inspired model he started with.
Israel also mentioned that his involvement with the ministry was influenced largely by proximity. The church was located close to his residence on St John’s Street, Odoakpu, Onitsha, making it easy for him to attend services and volunteer regularly.
Ex-Usher Shares Personal Experience
Recalling his personal experience, he wrote: “… I was one of the members at Odumeje ministry in Onitsha in the early 2000s? I was actually one of the ushers, on a voluntary basis. I was an evangelist and had just returned to Nigeria after being away for 5 years and needed a ministry to identify with.
Odumeje ministry, Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, was very close to Anthony Fride compound in St John’s Street, Odoakpu, Onitsha, off Bida Road where I stayed at the time, so I had to attend. I didn’t know anything about him. The ministry was just very close to where I stayed.
In those days, he frequently dressed in white suits with white shoes because he was modeling himself after Rev Chris Oyakhilome. He would style his hair and mimic Rev Chris’s accent while preaching, often with one hand in his pocket. The Odumeje I knew wasn’t this rascal. He was very gentle while preaching, just like Pastor Chris. Then during the deliverance session, he would flip his legs like Pastor Chris, and next thing you know… piam… people are falling everywhere, like a pack of cards. I really wish he had stayed with the Pastor Chris style, even though this comedy part of him wouldn’t have been discovered.
It wasn’t long before I left, especially when he started looking at me one kind during some of his preaching. 🤦🤦 Don’t ask me why I left because I don’t even know 😝😝. On the other hand, if Odumeje later leaves the ministry, hold Flavour responsible… lol.”
His post has since gone viral, attracting reactions from people who are shocked, amused, or fascinated by this little-known side of Prophet Odumeje’s ministry journey.