Shina Peters Breaks Silence After Pastor Ashimolowo’s Sermon Sparks Online Debate

Legendary Juju music icon Sir Shina Peters has finally reacted to comments made by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), following a sermon that stirred widespread controversy on social media.

While preaching about wealth, timing, and delayed gratification at COZA 12DG, Pastor Ashimolowo referenced two unnamed men who allegedly had ₦20 million each in 1990. He compared one who supposedly used the money to build a house with another who used his to start a bank—later identifying the musician as Shina Peters and the banker as Jim Ovia, founder of Zenith Bank.

According to the cleric, the choice to invest in property instead of business limited the musician’s long-term financial growth, while the banker’s decision resulted in a multi-trillion-naira institution. His illustration, meant to emphasize financial wisdom, quickly drew backlash, with many Nigerians accusing him of mocking Shina Peters’ career and legacy.

Singer Daddy Showkey was among the first public figures to condemn the remarks, describing them as disrespectful to one of Nigeria’s music pioneers.

Reacting via his Instagram story, Shina Peters dismissed the claims as false and derogatory, but took a calm and conciliatory tone. He thanked Daddy Showkey for drawing his attention to the sermon and revealed that he would not pursue legal action, citing his faith and commitment to Christian unity.

“God has really blessed me beyond words… you can’t even begin to imagine the blessings of God upon my life all these decades,” Shina Peters wrote.

“As a man of God myself, and for the sake of the legacy of our Christ Jesus, I will not be taking legal actions nor will I speak ill against you.”

He also acknowledged that God has blessed Pastor Ashimolowo as well, urging that blessings should be used to set good examples for others.

Opinion: When Sermons Cross Into Personal Narratives

This episode highlights a sensitive line between teaching principles and publicly profiling individuals. While Pastor Ashimolowo’s message on delayed gratification and long-term thinking is valid, using a living legend like Shina Peters as a cautionary tale—especially with disputed facts—was always going to provoke strong reactions.

Shina Peters’ response stands out for its maturity. Rather than escalating the issue, he chose grace over grievance, reminding the public that success is not one-dimensional. Not every blessing shows up as a bank branch on every street; some appear as cultural impact, longevity, influence, and fulfilled purpose.

Music legends like Shina Peters helped shape Nigeria’s creative identity long before the industry became lucrative. Reducing such a career to a financial comparison risks overlooking the broader value of art, legacy, and societal contribution.

In the end, this moment serves as a reminder that wisdom can be taught without diminishing others, and that success—whether in music, ministry, or business—comes in different forms.