Oyo: Cleric raises alarm over flooding, calls for prayers

An Ibadan-based cleric and founder and General Overseer of the Seed of Christ Golden Church, Prophet Solomon Mustapha (Baba Sebioba), has raised the alarm over the flooding that has ravaged some states in the country, which has resulted in the loss of lives and properties worth billions of naira.

Prophet Mustapha made this known at an interactive session with newsmen at the church headquarters in Ibadan on Monday.

He noted that though fasting and prayers cannot stop the flooding currently ravaging different parts of the country, they can reduce its effect.

The Clerics disclosed that some of his prophecies, including flooding, market fires, and plane crashes, among others, made earlier in the year had come to pass.

He added that while man-made prophecies can be altered, divine prophecies often come to pass, and the effects can only be minimised through fasting and prayers.

Speaking on the prevailing economic situation in the country in relation to tithing, the man of God noted that no one is under any compulsion to bring tithes, though it is the word of God and highly recommended.

He explained that tithes are used for wealth redistribution among members of the church.

“People who condemn bringing tithes to the church collect what’s more than tithes. I rarely bring up the issue of tithes in my church.

“There was a time when I used to pay tithes but stopped paying. God asked me whether I wanted to stop my journey to heaven. So I can never condemn bringing tithes to church. It is an individual decision, though.

“We use the money to establish people and help the needy; it is not meant for the pastors. When you stop this, what do these people rely on?”

Speaking on the government’s policy of taxing churches, the prophet noted that if the federal government insists on collecting taxes from churches, the churches have no choice but to pay.

He said, “We will pay it, though it is not a blessing for the country.”

He asked why members who brought the tithes had already paid their taxes, yet the tithes would be taxed again.

The prophet also applauded the financial autonomy that the Supreme Court granted the 774 LGAs, adding that it will be to the advantage of the people at the grassroots.

He urged the federal government to invest heavily in farming and mass food production to combat hunger.

The prophet who prayed for governments added that while the establishment of the livestock ministry is a giant step in the right direction, he advocated for effective management and utilisation of resources so that the new ministry would fulfil its mandate.

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