Deeper Life Elders Clash with Pastor Kumuyi Over Succession

The Deeper Life Bible Church has been thrown into the spotlight in recent weeks following a leadership crisis over the succession of its founder and General Superintendent, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi. At 83, Kumuyi now faces subtle but mounting pressure from some senior pastors who believe the time has come for new leadership, a development that recently left the revered preacher visibly emotional while addressing his congregation.

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The troubles reportedly began months ago when speculation arose that Pastor Kumuyi had relocated to England, owing to his prolonged absence while attending conferences and crusades abroad. His absence, according to a youth pastor who spoke on condition of anonymity, left a vacuum at the helm of the church. “Deeper Life is a unique church where activities are closely monitored from the top,” he explained. “But once the General Overseer was away for months, branches and pastors started acting independently. Everyone was doing as they pleased.”

This situation, sources say, emboldened some senior pastors who have long contributed to the church’s growth alongside Kumuyi. They began to demand greater authority and recognition, arguing that the church needed a fresh direction under younger leadership. Some even suggested that the founder should consider handing over to a new generation.

The agitation for succession came to a head during a program in which a young preacher emphasized that “there is no leadership without a successor.” The comment, repeated twice, struck a nerve within the church and set the stage for Kumuyi’s public response.

Speaking from the pulpit a few weeks ago, the General Superintendent, clearly moved by the unfolding events, openly asked the congregation: “Are you tired of me?” The question was met with a resounding “No” from worshippers, but Kumuyi went on to express his displeasure at what he described as subtle agitations designed to stampede him out of leadership.

“The brother who spoke last Tuesday kept saying there is no leadership without a successor. He mentioned it twice, which I found excessive, especially since your father is still here,” Kumuyi said. “God will give a successor in His own time.”

He stressed that it is God—not human pressure—who appoints leaders, adding that he would not allow anyone to dictate or force his hand. “You are not going to fight your shepherd, your pilot. I reject any member of the church, whether a worker, choir member, or even my wife, trying to control me. I won’t take it. Don’t try to kill my conviction. It will only make me resist you.”

Kumuyi also reminded members that he had deliberately created opportunities for many gifted individuals to preach within the church but insisted that the issue of succession remains in God’s hands. “If God has provided you with a pastor who is still strong at this age, with a clear voice preaching everywhere, and you are clamoring for a successor, it makes me feel you are tired of seeing me around,” he said.

Acknowledging that there will eventually be a successor, Kumuyi maintained that the transition must happen on divine terms. “When the time comes, God will choose a man after His own heart. Don’t try to drive me away,” he warned.

For now, the Deeper Life Bible Church stands at a delicate crossroads—torn between loyalty to its founding leader and the internal calls by some elders for a defined succession plan.