PFN Biennial Conference: Why Bishop Praise May Emerge Bishop Oke’s Successor

LAGOS – Bishop John Praise, the presiding Bishop of the Dominion Chapel International Church and the deputy president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has been ticked to merge the successor of Bishop Francis Wale Oke, President of the Christian association.

There are unconfirmed reports that Bishop Francis Wale Oke may have been advised to allow another candidate to lead the elite Christian organisation.

A member of the PFN who spoke with Daily Independent but wouldn’t want his name in the print, said that when they gather to elect a new president from Tuesday, February 11 to Friday, February 14 at the Dunamis Dome in Abuja, during the Biennial Conference, the amiable Bishop would most likely emerge winner to lead PFN for another two years.

He noted that for the sake of equity, a northerner should be given the opportunity to lead the association, stressing that for 40 years of the existence of the PFN, no northerner has led the group. 

He said, “There’s groundswell of opinions that a northerner should be given an opportunity to lead the PFN.

“The deputy president of the PFN, Bishop John Praise, is the most senior officer from the northerner axis.

 “He’s seen as the rallying point and a unifier because of his disposition to issues, which is based on consensus.

“Besides, Bishop Praise is also loved by all. Humble and accessible by the small and mighty. He returns every missed call, even if it’s an unknown number.

“Little wonder the young and old love him. His respect for the fathers of faith is second to none. He loves and forgives everyone. 

“His emergence will cause a jubilation because he’s seen as a servant leader.”

Another source who is privy to the new arrangement said: “I won’t be surprised if Bishop Praise emerges the consensus candidate. He possesses the charisma and spiritual maturity to lead the PFN at this defining moment.  Most of the elders who spoke, zeroed in on him. He’s the most senior northerner in the PFN hierarchy now. He understands the issues and how to tackle them. In order to achieve the seamless transfer of power from Bishop Oke to another leader, the cap fits Bishop Praise,” he added.

Bishop Praise, the presiding Bishop of the Dominion Chapel International Church, with branches in the UK and most parts of Nigeria and with its headquarters in Abuja, is also the president of the Dominion Bible Faith Institute (DOBFI), the training arm of the ministry.