Kumuyi Warns Against Pressure Over Succession in Deeper Life Church

By Babatunji Wusu

• Says only God will decide his successor.

• Rejects attempts to undermine his leadership.

• Urges members to focus on mission, not succession politics.

General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has dismissed what he described as “subtle agitations” over who will succeed him, declaring that no one can pressure him into stepping down.

Speaking during a Bible study session streamed online, the 83-year-old asked the congregation, “Are you tired of me?”—drawing a loud “Nooo” in response. He criticised remarks by an unnamed young preacher who twice stated that “there is no leadership without a successor,” saying the comments were excessive while he remains active.

“God will give a successor at His own time,” Kumuyi stressed, citing biblical precedents. “You are not going to fight your shepherd, your pilot. I reject any member—whether a worker, choir member, or security person—who tries to control me. I won’t even take that from my wife because I am the head of the home.”

He urged members not to undermine his mission or conviction, warning, “Don’t try to kill my conviction. It will only make me resist you… I will keep on telling you that under your resistance until I go.”

While noting that he allows many gifted members to preach, Kumuyi insisted that succession is God’s decision. “If God gives you a pastor that is still very active at this age, and you are asking for a successor, it makes me think you are tired of seeing me around,” he said.

He concluded: “When the time comes, God will choose a man after His own heart. Don’t try to drive me away, even though I know you cannot.”