The ongoing dispute between renowned singer Timi Dakolo and Pastor Femi Lazarus has taken a new turn, with Dakolo making fresh claims against the Light Nation Church’s founder.
This follow the recent dispute between both figures which has sparked discussions online after expressing opposing views on whether gospel artists should charge fees for their performances at church events.
Pastor Femi Lazarus had previously criticized gospel musicians who request payment for ministering, stating in a viral video that they should rely on God to meet their needs instead of focusing on financial gains.
During the sermon, he shared a purported invoice from a gospel artist, highlighting demands for a $10,000 honorarium, first-class travel, and luxury accommodation.
“The mistake on that invoice is the word ‘honorarium’ used; just tell them the price. When they pay you this amount of money, you will shout and roll on the floor, but those who know God know He’s not there,” he stated.
According to him, gospel artists should remember that they are also ministers of the gospel, not just performers.
In response, Timi Dakolo strongly disagreed, accusing pastors of manipulating gospel singers into offering their services for free. He argued that gospel artists have every right to earn a living and listed various necessities that their earnings help them achieve.
Dakolo further advised the clergyman to focus on developing his church choir rather than expecting established gospel singers to perform without compensation.
In a follow-up post, Dakolo clarified that his statements stemmed from respect and love, despite his disagreement. He emphasized that he is not a gospel artist but a Christian who was raised in the church.
The R&B singer then alleged that Pastor Femi Lazarus charges students to attend his ministry school, which offers teachings about Jesus. According to Dakolo, the fee for enrollment is approximately $150 per person, with over 1,000 students reportedly signed up.
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He further accused the pastor of profiting from a gift and revelation that were given freely. To support his claims, Dakolo shared a screenshot of an email that allegedly disclosed the ministry school’s fee structure.
The controversy continues to generate heated reactions from the public, with supporters on both sides weighing in on the matter.
“All this was said in love and with respect sir. I am not a gospel artist but a Christain raised in church. Let’s not shift the goal post. By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are not Gospel artist, they performers. And by that definition, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, they are merchants of hope and motivational speakers and performers too.
“Sir, you are charging as low as 150 dollars per person for your school of ministry. Teaching and preaching Jesus. Probably having as much as 1000 students . Let’s do the maths. You even have premium and standard for God house?
“Are you not selling the Gift and revelation freely given to you? Again let’s not keep shifting the goal post.”
