Prominent Nigerian cleric and founder of Champions Royal Assembly, Prophet Joshua Iginla, has stressed the importance of confidentiality, integrity, and fatherhood within the Christian faith. Speaking during a recent service from 00:50, Iginla declared that true spiritual leaders must embody sacredness by protecting the trust and vulnerabilities of those who confide in them.
“If you cannot keep the secret of people, you are not sacred,” he told his congregation. “And if you are not sacred, you have no business with fatherhood.”
The Abuja-based pastor, known for his fiery sermons and outspoken views, lamented what he described as a growing culture of betrayal and judgment among church leaders. He emphasized that fatherhood in ministry goes beyond titles and influence, requiring a deep commitment to protecting the dignity of others.
According to him, the inability of some spiritual leaders to safeguard the trust placed in them undermines both their calling and the wider body of Christ.
“There was a time in the body of Christ in this country,” Iginla recounted, “when a great father of faith was caught in adultery. Fathers around rallied around that father of faith, supported him, and gave him all that he needed. And today, he is still boiling absolutely more higher than any other thing.”
The pastor’s remarks appeared to reference a past scandal involving a senior church leader in Nigeria, though Iginla refrained from naming names. His message, however, was clear: restoration and support should take precedence over condemnation when leaders stumble.
Observers say his comments highlight an ongoing debate in Nigeria’s Christian community—whether fallen leaders should be permanently disqualified from ministry or restored through the support of their peers. While critics argue that public scandals damage the church’s credibility, Iginla insisted that loyalty and discretion are markers of genuine fatherhood in the faith.
“We must understand that fatherhood is not about exposing weakness but about covering it while helping restoration take place,” he said.
Reactions to his sermon have been mixed. Some members of the congregation praised his emphasis on compassion and solidarity among leaders. “Daddy Iginla is right,” said Emmanuel James, a church member. “Everyone makes mistakes. If we throw away our fathers when they fall, who will help us stand when we fall?”
Others, however, expressed concern that such messages might be seen as excusing misconduct. “Yes, forgiveness is important,” said Ruth Adeyemi, a Christian blogger. “But the church also needs accountability. Leaders should not hide behind secrecy when they abuse their positions.”
Despite the divided opinions, Iginla’s sermon reflects his longstanding call for unity and maturity in the church. By urging leaders to uphold confidentiality and provide covering for their peers, he reinforced the idea that spiritual fatherhood carries weighty responsibilities.
As he concluded his message, he reminded Christians that sacredness is inseparable from integrity.
