Popular Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has called out the Lead Pastor of Light Nation Church, Apostle Femi Lazarus for charging fees for his School of Ministry while criticising gospel artists for demanding payment to minister at church events.

Apostle Lazarus has been vocal about his disapproval of gospel musicians who request large sums to perform at church programmes, arguing that worship should not be treated as a business.

According to him, gospel singers should not treat worship as a business, and should rely on God’s provision rather than financial negotiations.

Reacting to Lazarus’ remarks, Dakolo accused the pastor of attempting to downplay the hard work and financial commitment involved in creating music.

“This gaslighting has to stop, gospel ministers want good things too, they are not beggars, the best of architects are called upon to build big church, large sum money disbursed for promoting big programmes and all. No one should diminish another person’s ministry, ministry needs music and music needs ministry,” he wrote.

During a recent sermon, Lazarus shared an alleged invoice from a gospel artist requesting a $10,000 honourarium, a 50% non-refundable deposit, a first-class flight, and premium accommodation.

He condemned such demands, claiming they contradict the true essence of gospel ministry.

“The hotel reservations will be covered by the church, an executive suite for the minister. An honourarium of $10,000 with a non-refundable 50% payment before we can attend and the balance will be made 2 days before the event compulsorily.

“Those who know God, know He’s not with ministers like this. Many charlatans don’t bill big pastors, they use them for endorsement. You can’t demand for such without growing.

“The mistake on that invoice is the word ‘honourarium’ used; just tell them the price,” Lazarus said.

“When they pay you this amount of money, you will shout and roll on the floor, but those who know God know He’s not there.”

Reacting to these comments, Dakolo took to Instagram on Monday, March 24, accusing the pastor of hypocrisy.

He highlighted that Lazarus charges $150 per student for his school of ministry, questioning how that differed from artists requesting compensation for their work.

“All this was said in love and with respect, sir,” Dakolo wrote. “By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are not gospel artists; they are performers. And by that definition, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, they are merchants of hope and motivational speakers too.”

Dakolo further pointed out the financial costs involved in music production, from studio fees to marketing and promotion, implying that gospel musicians are justified in seeking payment for their art.

“Sir, you are charging as low as $150 per person for your school of ministry, teaching and preaching Jesus. Probably having as much as 1,000 students. Let’s do the maths. You even have premium and standard for God’s house? Are you not selling the gift and revelation freely given to you? Again, let’s not keep shifting the goalpost.

“Such hypocrisy. The School of Ministry has expenses and music creation doesn’t? Running cost important, production/promotion cost unimportant? Most of you don’t know how much a producer charges, then the marketing, the promotion. The amount of hours it takes to finish a song. Keep shifting the goalpost, guys,” Dakolo added.