By Our Correspondent
Fresh controversy has erupted around the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) following the circulation of an alleged leaked audio recording said to involve former church member, Funke Ashekun, and a network of dissatisfied ex-members allegedly mobilizing against the ministry and its General Overseer, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya.
The audio recording, now trending across several social media platforms and blogs, has intensified an already simmering dispute involving former associates of the church, online commentators, and supporters of the ministry.
At the center of the storm is Funke Ashekun, a former member of the church who has in recent months emerged as one of the loudest critics of Dr. Olukoya and the MFM leadership. However, the emergence of the alleged recording has triggered a counter-narrative from loyalists of the ministry, who now claim there is an organized effort to damage the reputation of the internationally respected Pentecostal church and its founder.
The controversy gained momentum after blogs, including Aunty Adunni Blog and other online platforms, began circulating claims that the leaked audio exposes what they described as a coordinated campaign aimed at recruiting former church members willing to make damaging allegations against the ministry.
Although the authenticity of the recording has not been independently verified, discussions generated by the audio have sparked intense reactions among church members, legal observers, and religious commentators.
Alleged Recruitment Discussions
In the controversial audio, voices identified as Wale Akpeji and another individual named Sola were allegedly heard discussing plans to recruit individuals willing to publicly accuse the church leadership and testify against Dr. Olukoya.
According to interpretations of the recording circulating online, there were references to financial inducements, promises of relocation abroad, and assurances of protection for those prepared to participate in the campaign against the church.
Particularly disturbing to many listeners was an exchange in which Sola allegedly expressed fear about the possible legal consequences of making false statements in court or publicly attacking the church leadership.
The voice identified as Wale reportedly reassured him that Funke Ashekun would guarantee his safety and even arrange overseas travel should legal complications arise.
The leaked audio has since generated heated conversations within Pentecostal circles, with many questioning whether the dispute has moved beyond personal grievances into a coordinated effort to destabilize the church’s image.
Questions Around Wale Akpeji
Adding another layer to the controversy are revelations concerning the background of one of the individuals allegedly heard in the recording, Wale Akpeji.
Sources close to the church leadership claim Akpeji was not originally a committed member of MFM but rather someone Dr. Olukoya personally tried to assist out of compassion and goodwill.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Dr. Olukoya allegedly sponsored Akpeji with financial support intended to help him relocate to Canada for studies and better opportunities.
“Dr. Olukoya saw him as a young man with potential and wanted to help him build a future,” the source alleged. “He was reportedly given over $6,000 to support his relocation plans. Instead of using the opportunity productively, the money was squandered.”
The source further alleged that additional support, including assistance with transportation and work opportunities abroad, was also provided but ultimately mismanaged.
These claims have not been independently verified, and no public response had been issued by Akpeji as of the time of filing this report.
However, supporters of the church argue that the allegations, if true, point to what they describe as “betrayal of trust and goodwill.”
A Growing Media War
The dispute surrounding Funke Ashekun and the MFM leadership has increasingly evolved into a fierce media and social media confrontation.
For months, critics of the church have raised allegations against the ministry and its leadership online, while loyalists have responded by accusing disgruntled former members and bloggers of orchestrating smear campaigns designed to tarnish the image of Dr. Olukoya, one of Nigeria’s most influential Pentecostal leaders.
Observers note that the controversy reflects a broader trend within modern religious institutions, where disagreements, personal grievances, and internal conflicts increasingly spill into digital media spaces, often escalating into public battles capable of damaging reputations and polarizing worshippers.
Within MFM circles, the leaked recording has reportedly strengthened support for Dr. Olukoya among loyal members, many of whom see the controversy as evidence of deliberate attacks against the ministry.
Others, however, argue that the situation underscores the need for transparency, restraint, and careful handling of disputes involving religious organizations and former members.
Calls for Caution and Due Process
Legal analysts and media observers have also urged caution regarding the circulation of unverified audio recordings and allegations capable of influencing public opinion without judicial scrutiny.
Some commentators warn that while social media has become a powerful tool for exposing wrongdoing, it has also become fertile ground for misinformation, manipulated narratives, and emotionally charged campaigns.
As the controversy continues to unfold, many observers believe the matter may ultimately require legal clarification, independent verification of the leaked recording, and more responsible public engagement from all sides involved.
For now, however, the battle between disgruntled ex-members, bloggers, and supporters of MFM appears far from over.
And at the center of the unfolding drama remains one question: Is this a genuine whistleblowing movement by dissatisfied former members, or an orchestrated campaign aimed at bringing down one of Nigeria’s most prominent Pentecostal ministries?
The answer may ultimately determine not only the reputations of those involved, but also how future religious disputes are fought in the age of viral media and digital activism.
