Mr. Karl Vincent Ekuago, founder of Jesus Synagogue Kingdom Church of All Nation, Aflao, has caused widespread controversy after publicly declaring that he is not a Christian and should not be referred to by any clergy titles. The statement was made during arbitration at the Palace of Torgbui Ahorsu in Aflao over the alleged initiation of a pastor, after which the man reportedly developed a strange mental illness.
The controversy began when the alleged pastor was initiated at the church, only to fall ill shortly afterward. Concerned parties brought the matter to the Duamenefa Foundation, which conducted a thorough investigation before referring the case to traditional rulers for arbitration.
During the arbitration at the Palace of Torgbui Ahorsu, Mr. Ekuago allegedly displayed a disrespectful attitude toward the traditional rulers, openly rejecting any association with clergy titles. He reportedly told the rulers, “I am not a Christian, and I do not want to be called by any names linked to clergy. My role is simply to facilitate worship and spiritual understanding.”
His controversial stance prompted the Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Evortepe Emmanuel, also known as Torgbui Duamenefa I, to go on air to educate the public about who should rightly be called a man of God. Quoting Galatians 5:22, he emphasized that true spiritual leadership is demonstrated through qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, not merely by titles or positions.
The revelation has sparked mixed reactions among church members and the wider community. While some question his personal convictions, many are critical of his alleged arrogant and dismissive attitude, raising concerns about how a church dedicated to Jesus teachings can be led by someone who denies being Christian.
Religious analysts describe the situation as highly unusual in mainstream Christianity, where leaders are expected to identify as Christians and hold official clergy titles.
Unconventional religious practices and self styled leadership have become increasingly common in some parts of the country, with numerous cases where founders of independent churches reject traditional labels while leading worship services. These practices often create confusion among congregants and the public about accountability, spiritual authority and the proper conduct of church leaders.
Observers also note that conflicts between church founders and traditional authorities are not new. In several communities, arbitration by chiefs or elders is a common mechanism to resolve disputes related to spiritual practices, property and leadership claims within religious organizations. Mr. Ekuago’s alleged disrespectful attitude toward the traditional rulers has reignited debates about the proper role of cultural authorities in religious matters.
Public reactions on social media and local news outlets have largely focused on the controversy, questioning the spiritual legitimacy of Mr. Ekuago’s leadership and the implications of his rejection of Christian identity and clergy titles.
The traditional rulers continue to deliberate on the matter, balancing the alleged misconduct during the initiation against Mr. Ekuago’s alleged controversial attitude and unconventional role as a non Christian facilitator of worship.
By Hutor Dziwornu,
Editor: Isabela Emmanuella Evortepe: Fafaa 100.3 Fm