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The online debate between singer Timi Dakolo and Apostle Femi Lazarus has escalated, with Dakolo now alleging that the Light Nation Church founder charges $150 per student for his ministry school.
The controversy initially began over whether gospel musicians should charge fees for performing at church events. In a viral video, Apostle Lazarus criticized gospel artistes who demand payment, arguing that they should trust God for provision instead of focusing on financial gain.
Dakolo, however, strongly disagreed, accusing pastors of expecting gospel singers to perform for free while churches generate revenue. He argued that professional gospel artistes have financial obligations and should be compensated for their work.
In a follow-up statement, Dakolo shifted focus to Apostle Lazarus’ own practices, accusing him of profiting from ministry by charging students for theological training. He shared a screenshot allegedly showing the school’s fee structure and questioned why a pastor would monetize what he described as a “freely given gift and revelation.”
“All this was said in love and with respect, sir. I am not a gospel artist but a Christian raised in church,” Dakolo stated. “By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are performers. So, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, are they not merchants of hope and motivational speakers too?”
He further criticized the idea of premium and standard payment tiers in a religious setting, urging transparency and consistency in the ongoing debate.
