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WARRI, Nigeria – Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has declared that any politician who undermines or disrespects fathers of faith is heading for doom, emphasizing that spiritual leaders play a vital role in the stability and destiny of society.

The governor made the statement on Sunday during a special thanksgiving service at the Word of Life Bible Church in Warri. The event honored renowned clerics Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Archbishop Felix Omobude, who recently survived an air incident.

Delivering an emotional goodwill message, Governor Oborevwori praised Pastor Oritsejafor as a spiritual father whose leadership and influence have transformed lives globally.

“Today, I am standing before our Fathers of Faith, and I feel deeply honoured to be here,” the governor said. “Yesterday, I told my Deputy Governor that we must attend this celebration because this is not a funeral gathering but a celebration of God’s faithfulness and mercy.”

Oborevwori was accompanied by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and other senior government officials. He recalled his long-standing relationship with Oritsejafor, noting that he has always held the cleric in high esteem for his contributions to the Church and society.

“I made it a duty to honour Papa’s invitation because of the role he continues to play in the body of Christ and in the lives of many people,” he said.

The governor said the presence of fathers of faith from various places reflected Oritsejafor’s immense impact through ministry and mentorship. He added that he left home early to ensure he arrived on time, stressing that the occasion was one he could not afford to miss.

Reflecting on his political journey, Oborevwori said God remained faithful through all the challenges and court cases he faced. “We thank God for preserving him and Archbishop Felix Omobude. We cannot imagine what the story would have been if God had not intervened,” he stated.

He commended Oritsejafor for his commitment to Delta State, Nigeria, and the Christian faith, noting that the cleric has raised men, women, and children who are positively impacting society globally. He also urged believers to emulate spiritual leaders and uphold the values they teach.

“Fathers of Faith continue to pray for us and encourage us to do more for the people. Any politician who undermines Fathers of Faith is doomed because spiritual guidance and prayers are very important in leadership,” the governor declared.

He revealed that before leaving his former political party, he consulted spiritual leaders for prayers and blessings, expressing gratitude for God’s continued faithfulness in his political journey.

Earlier, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor recounted several near-death experiences, including surviving a helicopter crash he declined to board, a plane threat in Lagos, and a carbon dioxide incident aboard a private aircraft. “I can’t explain it, but I know God loves me and He is a good God,” he said.

In his sermon, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey described the thanksgiving service as evidence of God’s divine preservation, adding that even experts abroad could not fully explain the incident. He prayed that every plan of death or calamity against God’s people would be canceled, declaring that God had once again said “No” to death.