How Adeboye Saved Me From Death in Plane Crash – Oyedepo Recounts Near-Fatal Air Mishap.
The Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (LFCWW), Bishop David Oyedepo, has given a detailed account of how he narrowly escaped death during a recent air incident, attributing his survival to divine intervention following prayers by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
The cleric made the disclosure during a church service at the Living Faith Church headquarters, where he narrated events leading up to, during, and after the incident, describing it as his third near air mishap in his lifetime.
According to the senior pastor, the experience reaffirmed his long-held belief in spiritual covering, prophetic fatherhood, and divine preservation, principles he said have guided his life and ministry over the decades.
Ejes Gist News reports that the account was delivered during a Friday service attended by thousands of worshippers.
Oyedepo Speaks on the Incident During Church Service
Bishop Oyedepo explained that the incident occurred during an international flight, adding that the situation was serious enough to have resulted in a fatal crash if not for the swift response of the aircraft’s pilot.
While speaking from the pulpit, he said the events surrounding the journey were unusual, beginning with an unexpected visit by Pastor Adeboye shortly before the trip.
According to Oyedepo, Adeboye arrived unannounced very early in the morning and prayed for him, an action he later interpreted as divinely inspired.
Adeboye’s Unannounced Visit Before the Journey
Oyedepo told the congregation that the RCCG General Overseer visited him around 6:30 a.m. on the Friday preceding the journey.
He said the visit was neither planned nor discussed beforehand and came as a surprise.
According to him, Adeboye explained that he had experienced a spiritual prompting that led him to seek him out and pray for him before the trip.
Oyedepo described the moment as significant, noting that nothing else was discussed during the visit beyond prayers.
Third Near Air Mishap in Oyedepo’s Life
During his message, Bishop Oyedepo disclosed that this was the third time he had been involved in a near air accident.
He did not provide extensive details of the earlier incidents but emphasized that the most recent one was particularly severe.
He explained that the aircraft experienced a technical problem mid-flight, which caused turbulence and panic inside the cabin.
Pilot’s Report Read to the Congregation
To give clarity to what happened during the flight, a pastor of the church, identified as Pastor Adebisi, read an official report submitted by the aircraft’s pilot, Captain Samuel Adegoga.
The report provided a technical explanation of the incident and outlined the mechanical challenges encountered during the flight.
According to the pilot’s account, the aircraft suffered a stabilizer twin-motor failure while en route on the Cyprus-Israel route.
Details of the Aircraft Malfunction
The pilot explained that the malfunction affected the aircraft’s autopilot system, preventing it from maintaining the required altitude for stable flight.
He stated that due to the failure, the autopilot could no longer exert the necessary pressure to keep the aircraft steady.
As a result, the captain disengaged the autopilot and manually took control of the aircraft.
During this process, the aircraft was reportedly out of trim, causing it to pitch abruptly with significant force.
Turbulence and Cabin Disturbance
Captain Adegoga’s report further stated that the sudden pitch movement required immediate counteraction.
The pilot applied a pitch-down force to stabilize the aircraft, leading to strong turbulence and noticeable movement within the cabin and cargo hold.
Heavy items stored in the cargo section reportedly fell from their compartments, producing loud noises that alarmed those on board.
The report indicated that similar mechanical failures in past aviation incidents had resulted in fatal outcomes when pilots failed to respond promptly.
Church Acknowledges Pilot’s Swift Response
While reading the report, Pastor Adebisi expressed gratitude that the pilot reacted quickly and professionally.
He noted that the timely response played a crucial role in preventing a disaster.
According to him, aviation history has recorded cases where similar stabilizer failures led to crashes due to delayed or incorrect pilot actions.
Oyedepo Disagrees With Purely Technical Explanation
Despite the pilot’s technical explanation, Bishop Oyedepo told the congregation that he believed the incident went beyond mechanical failure.
He described the averted crash as a spiritual attack rather than a routine technical malfunction.
According to him, divine intervention, triggered by prophetic covering and prayer, was responsible for the safe outcome.
Oyedepo Cites Biblical Perspective
In his sermon, Oyedepo referenced biblical teachings to explain his interpretation of the incident.
He spoke about what he described as the restoration of fatherhood and sonship within the body of Christ, linking it to spiritual protection.
According to him, prophetic fatherhood carries spiritual inheritance and covering that goes beyond human relationships.
Interpretation of Adeboye’s Visit
Oyedepo said Adeboye later explained that he had experienced a vision and a strong spiritual prompting that compelled him to come and pray.
He quoted Adeboye as saying words interpreted as a warning and divine intervention before the journey.
According to Oyedepo, the visit was not coincidental but a deliberate act of spiritual defense.
Teaching on Spiritual Fatherhood
While addressing the congregation, Oyedepo used the incident to teach on the concept of spiritual fatherhood.
He explained that spiritual fathers provide inheritance, covering, and defense, unlike teachers or mentors who may only impart knowledge.
He argued that spiritual inheritance is rooted in covenant relationships rather than professional or instructional ones.
Reference to Biblical Examples
Oyedepo cited the biblical relationship between Prophet Elijah and Elisha to support his teaching.
He noted that Elisha referred to Elijah as “my father,” despite not being biologically related.
According to Oyedepo, the example illustrates how prophets are divinely positioned as fathers to those sent to them.
Claim of Lifelong Spiritual Covering
The Living Faith Church leader said he had enjoyed what he described as spiritual covering throughout his life.
He attributed many of his past escapes and successes to this principle, which he said has consistently worked for him.
He emphasized that the recent air incident reinforced his conviction in the reality of spiritual defense.
Public Reactions and Religious Context
Oyedepo’s account has generated discussion within religious circles, particularly among followers of Pentecostal Christianity in Nigeria.
Many adherents view such testimonies as affirmations of faith, divine intervention, and the power of prayer.
Others have focused on the technical explanation provided by the pilot, emphasizing aviation safety and mechanical factors.
Aviation Experts’ Perspective
In general aviation practice, stabilizer and autopilot malfunctions are considered serious safety concerns.
Industry experts often stress the importance of pilot training, redundancy systems, and rapid response in managing such situations.
While the pilot’s report focused on mechanical and operational aspects, Oyedepo’s account highlighted the spiritual interpretation of the same event.
Intersection of Faith and Technical Reality
The incident illustrates the broader intersection between faith narratives and technical explanations in religious testimonies.
For many religious leaders and followers, divine intervention and professional expertise are not seen as mutually exclusive.
In this case, the pilot’s technical response and Oyedepo’s spiritual interpretation were both acknowledged during the church service.
Oyedepo’s Message to Worshippers
Beyond recounting the incident, Oyedepo encouraged worshippers to value spiritual relationships and remain grounded in faith.
He urged members of the church to recognize what he described as divine order within spiritual leadership.
According to him, understanding spiritual principles provides believers with confidence and assurance, even in life-threatening situations.
Broader Significance Within Nigerian Christianity
Both Bishop Oyedepo and Pastor Adeboye are widely regarded as influential figures in Nigerian Christianity.
Their ministries command millions of followers across Nigeria and beyond.
Testimonies involving such figures often attract national attention due to their prominence and influence.
Continuing Emphasis on Faith and Safety
While the account focused on divine intervention, it also indirectly highlighted the importance of aviation safety standards and professional competence.
The pilot’s swift reaction, as documented in the report, played a central role in preventing loss of life.
The incident, as presented during the church service, combined spiritual interpretation with documented technical details.
Context of Religious Testimonies in Public Discourse
Religious testimonies of survival are common in faith-based settings and often serve instructional and inspirational purposes.
Such accounts typically emphasize gratitude, divine protection, and lessons for believers.
Oyedepo’s narration followed this pattern, using the experience to reinforce doctrinal teachings within his ministry.
