Pastor Joseph Apata and wives

Pastor Joseph Apata, aged 52, is the General Overseer of Vineyard of Deliverance Ministry, commonly referred to as The Rock Church, located in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State. A fervent advocate for polygamy, Mr. Apata differentiates himself from traditional pastors, holding the title of the “jagaban” of the spiritual realm. He also assumes the self-designated role of King of Zion, occupying an elevated throne within the church adorned with his name.

His wives are actively engaged in church activities and are compensated with monthly salaries. Mr. Apata asserts that he provides comprehensively for their needs, asserting a commitment that includes sexual fulfillment, boasting an impressive capacity of 20 to 70 sexual encounters in a single day.

In defense of his polygamous lifestyle, Mr. Apata stated on his church’s official Facebook page that wedding rings and the prohibition of polygamy are unbiblical concepts. He remarked, “Over the years, some lies have become truths. Where in the Bible do we find the directive that wearing wedding rings is mandated for Christians? Where does it state that a prophet cannot marry more than one wife?”

Apata’s early life was marked by significant religious transitions; born into a Christian household in Ebira, Kogi State, his family later embraced Islam, with his father marrying five wives. His childhood was distinctly unconventional; at the age of two, he experienced a near-death situation alongside his twin brother, only to be resurrected after five days by a prophet. He claims to have begun experiencing prophetic visions at the age of five, including foretelling the death of his father through poisoning by his fifth wife.

His formal education ceased at Junior Secondary School 3 due to struggles with the curriculum. Mr. Apata began his ministry as a pastor at Gate Way Baptist Church in 1988 but left in 1995, subsequently establishing his own congregation under a tree in Bariga in 1998. His ministry later flourished, leading to its current location in Lekki.

Mr. Apata discussed how he balances his roles as a pastor, husband to three wives, and father.

He first married Margaret Tani, whom he met in Ibadan. Financial difficulties prompted him to marry a second wife, Omowunmi, a widow from his church, after he interpreted this decision as a divine directive.

He recounted, “In 2011, I sought divine assistance, which led me to marry a widow in the church, reflecting my belief that another woman could mend what one had disrupted in my life.”

After informing his first wife of his intentions on his birthday, he faced arrest but maintained that obedience to God was paramount. His first wife opted to remain with him despite the challenges.

Subsequently, the second marriage positively impacted Mr. Apata’s life, bringing financial prosperity and new opportunities. He entered into a third marriage based on what he believed was a divine instruction aimed at mitigating health risks for his first wife, who comes from a family with a history of short life spans.

Apata asserted, “When my first wife fell ill, I prayed to God for her well-being and received a directive to marry a third wife, which led to divine blessings, and my first wife’s health improved.” Despite concerns regarding managing desires among his three spouses, he claimed to have developed effective strategies to meet their needs.

He resides with his first wife in the church compound, while the other two wives occupy separate accommodations. All three wives possess educational qualifications and are actively involved in church leadership; the first wife is a Computer Science graduate and serves as the Assistant General Overseer, the second wife coordinates the women’s ministry, and the third wife oversees the choir.

Mr. Apata has provided guidance for those contemplating or exiting polygamous arrangements, underscoring that there is nothing inherently sinful in engaging in such relationships.