“Coup” In The House Of God

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-How Assistant Pastor Overthrew the Founder of Redeeming Time Pilgrims Mission, Owerri

It is often assumed that the household of God is devoid of political intrigue. However, events at the Redeeming Time Pilgrims Mission (RTPM) in Owerri Imo State challenge this notion. In fact, they pointed to a “coup” in God’s House.

Pastor Alexander Ezeugo Ekewuba, widely known as the “demon destroyer” during his lifetime, founded RTPM n Owerri, Imo State. Dedicated to soul-winning for the expansion of God’s kingdom, he embarked on missionary work beyond Owerri.

According to revelations contained in “Overcomers Christian Mission at 40,” a book launched to commemorate the fortieth anniversary of OCM, Pastor Ezeugo entrusted RTPM to one of his converts, Polycarp Ekeocha, who later became his assistant and proceeded with his missionary endeavours to the Ngor/Okpala and Etche in Rivers State.

Upon his return after many years, he discovered much to his chagrin that his convert, Pastor Ekeocha had influenced the majority of the congregation to assume control of the church.

“By the time Ezeugo returned to Owerri headquarters to resumed duties, Pastor Ekeocha had reportedly maneuvered his way to gain sympathy and support of pastors, elders and members to replace Ezeugo as General Overseer of RTPM”, the book revealed.

The book further revealed that Ezeugo found the environment hostile and difficult to operate in.

The congregation sacked Ezeugo as General Overseer GO and replaced him with Ekeocha. Not inclined towards conflict, Ezeugo opted to continue his itinerant preaching of God’s word, vowing not to establish a church again.

Prophecies, however, were abundant. The authors of the book namely Jonathan Emereole, Paulinus Ori and Chinyere Azubike Eke revealed that a female member of RTPM shared a vision with Ezeugo, urging him to cease his itinerant preaching and establish another church, with the assurance that God intended to accomplish a great and mighty work through him.

The book further disclosed that Bishop Innocent Erimujor also counseled Ezeugo against continuing with his itinerant preaching, emphasizing the dangers in producing a multitude of followers without a shepherd.

This informed the opening of Overcomers Christian Mission International in 1985 which currently has its headquarters at Aladinma Owerri, Imo State.

The church was inaugurated on March 3, 1985 with seven members who followed Pastor Ezeugo from the RTPM. The seven members were displeased with how the founder was mistreated at RTPM.

The book disclosed that OCM was inaugurated by Bishop Innocent Erimujor. His choice could be linked to the wise counsel he gave its founder and first GO

Obviously, OCM has grown by leaps and bounds with numerous branches across Nigeria and beyond.

Next: Pastor Ezeugo’s early Christian journey and why he abandoned his parents’ denominations