The leadership of Grace Nation Church in Lagos has accused a former member, Omolayo Ibukun Michael, of attempting to blackmail the church through the media and police over two vehicles he donated three years ago, now demanding their return.
In a statement issued yesterday, the church’s legal representative, Ilesanmi Akinwale, confirmed that Omolayo had indeed gifted the church two SUVs during an open service, but denied any financial obligations towards him.
Akinwale explained that the church was taken aback when Omolayo recently began demanding the return of the vehicles and claimed the church owed him for the supply of diesel. Akinwale emphasized that the church never solicited the gift and had kept the vehicles unused on the church premises for over three years.
“Our attention has been drawn to attempts by Omolayo Michael to use the police and the media to blackmail, intimidate, and tarnish the image of Grace Nation Church over two vehicles he donated,” the statement read.
Akinwale further elaborated that Omolayo had donated the vehicles in 2021 to express gratitude for God’s faithfulness. The original documents of the vehicles were handed over to the church secretariat. The vehicles remained unused until the church decided to sell one and gift the other to a member.
“In March this year, Omolayo approached our Presiding Pastor for N10 million financial assistance, citing business difficulties. The church attempted to help him secure a loan from a bank,” Akinwale said.
However, Omolayo later filed a police petition, alleging that the church refused to return the vehicles and owed him N50 million for diesel supplies. The church has since received threats of negative media coverage.
“We stand by our commitment to support our members through difficult times, but we will not allow anyone to damage our reputation through blackmail, character assassination, and extortion. We will take all lawful steps to seek redress against these false allegations,” Akinwale concluded.
