The controversy began afterTimi Dakolo reacted to a sermon by Apostle Femi Lazarus, in which the cleric displayed an alleged invoice from a gospel singer.
The invoice reportedly listed a $10,000 honorarium with a mandatory 50% non-refundable deposit.
Dakolo questioned the legitimacy of the invoice, cautioning Nigerians against believing everything they see.
He also challenged the preacher to name the artist involved, stating, “Nigerians, you should not believe everything you see. Nobody has a 40-man crew in Nigeria. Name the artist in order to justify capping 😂.”
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Taking the argument further, Timi Dakolo called out the pastor for charging fees for his School of Ministry.
He shared screenshots of two emails he received after applying to the school, which showed a fee of $150 per student.
In his post, Dakolo wrote, “Sir, you are charging as low as $150 per person for your school of ministry, teaching and preaching Jesus. Probably having as much as 1,000 students. Let’s do the maths.
“You even have premium and standard for God’s house? Are you not selling the gift and revelation freely given to you? Again, let’s not keep shifting the goalpost.”
Apostle Lazarus responded simply: “Yes o, it is a school”.
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Now, in a new post on Instagram, Lazarus has shared a photo of himself with Dakolo and Apostle Iren, suggesting they have reached common ground.
His caption read: “My brother @timidakolo is a music legend. Give him his flowers. What a man! He genuinely carries the burdens of musicians. His concerns are real. I love you. Better structures will be built. Pain is real. From pulpit to the pew, the pain is real, but we will be fine.
“This generation will not have a carryover of pain. Hosts will do better. Guests will do better. We will have a better nation together. I don’t know how to edit my brother @pst_iren out of the picture.”
Timi Dakolo had previously debated Apostle Lazarus on the issue of gospel artists charging for ministrations, but this marks the first time the pastor has responded directly to him.
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KanyiDaily recalls that a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Chinenye Oluoma had voiced his concerns about gospel musicians who demand exorbitant fees for performing at churches.
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