By Dozie Ndubuisi
Benin, Nigeria – The Church of God Mission International (CGMI) in Benin, on Thursday demanded a public apology from the Vanguard newspaper over what it called “a “misleading publication” regarding comments made by the CGMI spiritual leader, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa.
A statement by the church’s Director of Administration, Mr. Tari Ekiyor in Benin, also called on the newspaper to retract the story, titled “Rumbling in PFN: Why Bishop Wale Oke May Not Be Reelected”.
The article was published on January 26, 2025.
The statement reads in part: –
“The Church of God Mission International (CGMi) wishes to address false and defamatory allegations published by Vanguard Newspaper attributed to our spiritual leader, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa, in its article entitled “Rumbling in PFN: Why Bishop Wale Oke May Not Be Reelected.
“In the report published on January, 26, 2025, our spiritual leader, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa, was falsely quoted as expressing disappointment in the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) President, Bishop Wale Oke’s tenure and leadership of PFN
“This is categorically untrue.
“In speaking directly to Bishop Wale Oke during the birthday celebration of Bishop David Oyedepo last year, Archbishop Idahosa lightheartedly addressed Bishop Wale Oke for not being present in her life as her son
“The lighthearted banter had nothing to do with Bishop Wale Oke’s tenure and leadership of PFN, as insinuated in the misleading publication.
“As a Church, we have always stood for unity and integrity in the body of Christ.
“We remain committed to the PFN and its leadership, including Bishop Wale Oke, who has made remarkable contributions to the Fellowship and the work of God, ” the statement said.
The Church, therefore, called on Vanguard Newspaper to retract the false report and issue a public apology to CGMI, the Archbishop, and the PFN.
The statement added that there have been repeated instances of false reporting by the said newspaper targeting CGMi, In an effort to defame the church and to garner readership and urged it to stop.
According to Ekiyor, “we urge the public to be cautious in believing unverified reports and remain committed to serving God with transparency, humility and love.
