Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin, has stirred controversy after claiming that Nigeria was not divinely created, but rather formed as a result of British colonial interests.
During a Sunday sermon, Adefarasin challenged the notion that Nigeria’s existence was ordained by God, arguing that historical agreements and colonial ambitions dictated the nation’s formation. Citing the book The Martyrdom of Man, he suggested that deals involving Queen Elizabeth I and the Ottoman Empire influenced the division of African territories for foreign advantage.
“Nigeria, I do not believe it was created by God. I don’t believe it. I believe that Elizabeth the first got into a deal with the Ottoman Empire… As far as Africa was concerned, two empires got together and decided that this land will go to the sons of Ishmael,” he said.
The pastor also criticized the legitimacy of Nigeria’s constitution, pointing out that it was imposed by soldiers rather than “we the people.” Quoting Psalm 11:3, he compared the nation to a building with a weak foundation, suggesting that systemic flaws hinder sustainable development.
Adefarasin further highlighted corruption and poor national planning, citing poorly executed road projects as examples of inequity and repeated profiteering in governance.
Challenging the legacy of Nigeria’s celebrated nationalist leaders, he argued that figures like Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, and Nnamdi Azikiwe were not the true founding fathers of the country. Instead, he attributed Nigeria’s creation to British officials in Whitehall and Lord Lugard, asserting that the nation was established primarily for Britain’s financial benefit.
“There was a colonial conquest… The founding fathers of Nigeria are some men from Whitehall and a fellow called Tob Goldman… This nation was created for the business of the British purse,” Adefarasin stated.
His remarks have sparked widespread reactions online, with debates intensifying over the origins of Nigeria and the role of colonial history in shaping the nation.
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