In a time when many Christian leaders strongly uphold monogamy as the biblical ideal one Nigerian pastor has attracted both curiosity and controversy by openly practicing polygamy Pastor Joseph Apata based in Lagos Nigeria has become a subject of public discussion not only because he has three wives but also because he boldly claims that divine instruction guided his decision Beyond his marriages he often draws attention with unusual statements about his intimate strength boasting that he can satisfy all of his wives without fail His life story spiritual journey and the way he organizes his household provide a unique window into the complex intersection of faith culture and personal conviction .
Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Joseph Apata was born in Kogi State into an Ebira Christian family that later converted to Islam His father married five wives and his mother was the third Apata recalls experiencing deep tragedy in his early years as many of his siblings died young He also tells a dramatic story about dying at the age of two alongside his twin brother only to be brought back to life days later through the intervention of a prophet This experience he says left a permanent mark on him and shaped his destiny .
After his father passed away in the mid 1980s Apata endured a period of hardship and loneliness In 1988 a friend introduced him to a Baptist church in Ibadan and there he embraced Christianity From that moment his journey into prophetic ministry began .
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Ministry Journey
In 1995 Apata moved to Lagos and joined a church in Somolu but soon grew disillusioned when he saw what he described as the monetization of spiritual services Refusing to be part of that system he broke away and chose to follow his own calling By 1998 he was preaching under a tree in Bariga gathering people in an outdoor fellowship This small beginning later evolved into what is now known as the Vineyard of Deliverance Ministry also referred to as The Rock Church in Ibeju Lekki .
In 2010 Apata claimed that God instructed him to stop calling himself a pastor and instead take the title of prophet At the same time he embarked on what was meant to be a one year fast but it stretched into more than a decade His ministry gradually grew and he often points out that he does not compel his members to pay tithes insisting instead that offerings should come from personal conviction and spiritual prompting .
How He Married Three Wives
First Marriage
In 1999 while still ministering under the tree in Bariga Apata married his first wife Margaret Tani They endured years of struggle together and faced the difficulties of building a ministry with limited resources Margaret has since become Assistant General Overseer of the church and holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Lagos .
Second Marriage
In 2011 Apata said he received divine instruction to marry a widow from his congregation named Omowunmi He describes this marriage as a turning point in his life marking the beginning of financial stability and growth in his ministry Omowunmi is now in charge of the womens ministry in the church .
Third Marriage
By 2020 Apata believed that God had again directed him to take a third wife a woman from Benin City She now plays a key role in the church as the leader of the choir Apata claims that all three wives live together in harmony and that each one receives a monthly allowance and plays an active role in the church He insists that he balances his time energy and emotions so that no wife feels neglected .
The Bold Claim of Seventy Rounds
One of the most sensational aspects of Apatas story is his claim about his sexual endurance He has publicly stated that he is capable of engaging in as many as seventy rounds in a single day if he is not fasting According to him this capacity is evidence of his ability to meet the needs of all his wives without leaving anyone unsatisfied While many people have ridiculed or dismissed the claim others see it as a reflection of his confidence and unorthodox personality .
Theological Justification and Biblical Interpretation
Apata does not accept the idea that Christianity demands monogamy for all believers He openly challenges the use of wedding rings and rejects the idea that a prophet should be limited to one wife To support his position he often points to Old Testament figures such as Abraham Jacob and David who were polygamous yet still regarded as faithful before God .
He emphasizes that polygamy requires wisdom patience and a strong sense of responsibility In his teachings he advises men not to consider multiple marriages unless they are spiritually guided and fully capable of treating each wife with fairness and dignity He also argues that modern wedding practices and ceremonial traditions like exchanging rings have no real biblical basis .
Public Reactions and Controversy
The lifestyle of Joseph Apata has sparked intense debate Critics argue that his way of life contradicts the teachings of the New Testament where the relationship between Christ and the Church is often seen as a model for monogamous marriage Others warn that his public claims could be misleading and potentially harmful if interpreted as license for irresponsible behavior .
On the other hand many of his followers fully embrace his example and view him as a prophet uniquely chosen by God His story has been widely reported in Nigerian media fueling conversations about the role of polygamy in Christianity and the cultural realities of marriage in Nigeria .
In the wider context polygamy in Nigeria remains a complex issue While civil law does not fully recognize polygamous unions it is accepted under customary practices in some communities and under Islamic law in northern states Apatas case highlights how religion culture and personal conviction often collide in shaping social norms .
Implications and Reflections
The story of Joseph Apata raises important questions for believers and society alike How should people evaluate claims of divine instruction that challenge traditional interpretations of scripture What responsibilities do religious leaders carry when their teachings and personal lives diverge from mainstream expectations How does culture influence the way faith is practiced and understood .
By choosing to live openly with three wives and making bold statements about his personal life Apata forces observers to confront issues that many prefer to avoid Whether viewed as a provocative figure or a misunderstood prophet his life story continues to generate discussion on faith culture and morality .
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available news reports and accounts of Pastor Joseph Apatas life and teachings Readers are encouraged to cross check details and follow updates from credible news outlets before forming final opinions .