Blackmail Won’t Make Me Quit” — Kumuyi Dismisses Succession Pressure

General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has declared that no amount of pressure or blackmail will force him to step down from leading the church, stressing that only God will decide when a successor should be appointed.

Addressing leaders during a recent church meeting, the 83-year-old preacher criticised growing calls for discussions on succession, questioning whether some members had grown weary of his leadership.

“I’m wondering why this young man is emphasising successor, successor. Are they tired of me? Are you tired of me?” he asked.

Kumuyi warned against any attempt — from church members, leaders, or even family — to control his ministry or weaken his convictions.

“Anyone trying to control me, I will not take it; not even from my wife. I have been preaching before I married my first wife, and even before I married the second wife after the first passed away,” he said.

He noted that while a church leader had recently raised the succession issue twice, he initially chose to remain silent. However, he said those close to him know the extent of his dedication, often working into the early hours of the morning to prepare messages for the congregation.

“Some still want to restrict where I preach, how I preach, and how long I preach. I will not take that,” Kumuyi insisted.

While acknowledging that a successor will one day take over, he maintained the decision rests with God alone.

“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,” he said.

Kumuyi urged members to abandon unproductive attitudes and support the church’s spiritual mission, concluding:

“If God gives you a pastor still very active at this age, running everywhere to preach the gospel, and you’re asking for a successor, it makes me think you are tired of seeing me around. I will keep on teaching until I go.”