Church of God Mission International (CGMi) has responded to false and defamatory allegations published by Vanguard Newspaper attributing a statement alleging the Archbishop Margaret Benson – Idahosa had expressed disappointment with the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke. The Church has categorically denied these claims, calling them completely untrue.
In a statement to the Press, Director of Administration, CGMI Reverend Dr. Tari Ekiyor said the article had inaccurately quoted Archbishop Margaret Idahosa as criticizing Bishop Oke’s tenure. In reality, during a birthday celebration for Bishop David Oyedepo last year, Archbishop Idahosa had lightheartedly addressed Bishop Oke for not being as present in her life as her son.
The Statement read: ”In the report published on 26 January 2025, our spiritual leader, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa, was falsely quoted as expressing disappointment in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) President, Bishop Wale Oke’s tenure and leadership of PFN. This is categorically untrue.
“The lighthearted banter had nothing to do with Bishop Wale Oke’s tenure and leadership of PFN, as insinuated in the misleading publication by Vanguard Newspaper.
President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Bishop Wale Oke
“As a Church, we have always stood for unity and integrity in the body of Christ. We remain committed to the PFN and its leadership, including Bishop Wale Oke, who has made remarkable contributions to the Fellowship and the work of God.”
The Church also condemned the ongoing trend of false reporting by Vanguard, which they believe is intended to defame CGMi and increase its readership.
“We call on Vanguard Newspaper to retract this false report and issue a public apology to CGMI, the Archbishop, and the PFN.
“Repeated instances of false reporting by Vanguard targeting CGMi, in an effort to defame the church and to garner readership, must stop.
“To the public, we urge caution in believing unverified reports and remain committed to serving God with transparency, humility, and love.”
