Sunday Adelaja, a Nigerian pastor and founder of one of Europe’s largest evangelical churches, has shared the story of how he fled Ukraine with his wife and four students at the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

Adelaja, the leader of the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations (popularly known as the Embassy of God), left his residence in Irpin, near Kyiv, after receiving information from Ukrainian officials that he was on a Russian hit list.

In an interview with The Economist, Adelaja said, “Putin was my personal fight,” describing how the invasion disrupted his life and ministry.

Despite the Orthodox Christian dominance, Adelaja’s church, which once boasted 100,000 congregants in Ukraine and millions more worldwide, became a prominent voice in the country’s religious landscape.

Born in a small Nigerian village, Adelaja rose from poverty, earning scars from gathering firewood to survive. His life changed after a “supernatural experience” inspired him to embrace Christianity.

He later earned a scholarship to study journalism in the Soviet Union, where he began clandestine Bible study groups. Moving to Ukraine in 1993, he became a media personality and established the Embassy of God, which grew into one of the largest Pentecostal networks in Europe.

However, Adelaja’s success attracted controversy. In 2008, Ukrainian authorities accused him of being involved in a pyramid scheme tied to King’s Capital, a company founded by members of his church. Victims alleged he used his influence to promote investments that caused financial ruin for some congregants.

Adelaja denied the allegations, stating they were politically motivated and linked to his association with Leonid Chernovetsky, a former Kyiv mayor and church member.

Although Adelaja has never been convicted of any crime, the accusations took a toll on his reputation and the church’s membership. He remained in Ukraine for over a decade, but the invasion of Ukraine forced him to flee to Brussels, where he now resides as a refugee.

Adelaja says he plans to return to Africa to contribute to the continent’s development, particularly by empowering children.

He has also expressed concern over the actions of some African Pentecostal leaders, referencing reports of abuse within churches, and is determined to “give every African child a chance at life.” (Saturday Tribune)