The recent approval of a private airstrip for Canaanland is generating another round of controversy in Nigeria. Canaanland, also known as Winners’ Chapel, is Bishop David Oyedepo’s church.
The federal government recently approved a private airstrip for the church. The location is in Ota, Ogun State.
This is the first time a church in Nigeria would officially own a private airstrip, Medialord reports.
Oyedepo disclosed the approval during the Tehillah Night Special Edition at his church. He said the airstrip will enhance transportation for worshippers and visitors. Now, attendees can travel directly from the church during large events like Shiloh. This will help them avoid airport delays.
Members can land and park their aircraft at Canaanland. Oyedepo said the church will privately fund this project. However, the exact timeline for construction is unclear.
Furure over private airstrip
The development has raised some dust even within the Christendom. Some church owners, who pleaded anonymity, frowned at the approval. Some of them questioned the federal government’s seeming favour over Canaanland against others. According to them, many other mega churches have applied for private airstrips. They were however denied, Medialord was told.
One pastor of a mega church in Lagos claimed they applied about the same time Oyedepo did. According to him, they were told to wait. “They told us our application was still under review. But we applied the same time Bishop Oyedepo did. We complied with all the necessary requirements, including site assessment, EIA, feasibility study, etc,” he added.
Political motives alleged
Some of the critics of the private airstrip in Canaanland even speculated political motives. Although they claimed they were not jealous, some argued that Oyedepo got the approval because of his closeness to President Bola Tinubu.
One of them even told Medialord that the approval was compensation to Oyedepo. According to him, unlike some pastors who were being careful, Oyedepo openly campaigned for Tinubu in 2023.
“Bishop Oyedepo did not only call for prayers but repeatedly told his members to vote for Tinubu. He even described him then as ‘a man who can take Nigeria to the next level’ during one of his services,” he said.
While canvasing for support, Oyedepo also reportedly described Tinubu as “a leader who has a vision for Nigeria.” “But what do we have now?“, the source added, cynically.
A member of Winners Chapel confirmed that they were encouraged to support Tinubu at all times. In fact, the source stressed, “the Bishop said: ‘We must pray for the success of this man because he carries the destiny of Nigeria.'”
Private Airstrip in churches outside Nigeria
Although there are no private airstrips in Nigerian churches, it is common abroad. For instance, Lakewood Church located in Houston, Texas, has one.
Lakewood is one of the largest congregations in the United States, led by Pastor Joel Osteen. The church has a private airstrip nearby. This airstrip facilitates travel for Osteen and other church leaders.
Also, The Potter’s House, based in Dallas, Texas, has a private airstrip. The church is led by Bishop T.D. Jakes and known for its vibrant congregation.
This arrangement enables Jakes to travel easily for various speaking engagements and conferences. The airstrip supports the church’s mission by allowing quick access to different locations. Private Airstrip for Hillsong Church
Church ownership of private airstrips allows for easy travel for events, conferences, and tours. The convenience of the private airstrip helps manage logistics for outreach efforts, Medialord gathered.
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