Shina Peters kicks as Ashimolowo compares his progress in life with Jim Ovia

Shina Peters, the ace Juju musician, has called out the cleric Matthew Ashimolowo, describing his recent public comments about his life choices as “false & derogatory”.

The controversy stems from a widely circulated video in which Ashimolowo, the founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), while preaching to his congregation, drew a pointed contrast between financial decisions made by Peters and Zenith Bank chairman Jim Ovia in 1990.

In the viral clip, Ashimolowo used the two figures as a parable on deferred gratification.

“Listen, don’t buy a big house until you cross a certain age. What do you need it for? In 1990, two men had 20 million naira in this Nigeria. One, used it build a big house, the second used it to start a bank. The house that was built in 1990 cannot look beautiful today. The man who took the money to start a bank is now worth about 20 trillion naira, Zenith Bank. I would mention the musician, it is not a crime, it is what he did. his name is something Peters. Shina Peter,” he said.

“That man is now fixing roof, broken toilet, doors that don’t shut anymore. The other one, every country I go in Africa, I see a branch. I was in Rwanda, Zenith everywhere. I was in Ghana, Zenith everywhere. I was in 10 African countries, Zenith everywhere. So I am speaking into somebody’s life now. Delay your gratification, and God will lift you.”

Responding via a statement on his Instagram Story, Peters, who now also bears the title of bishop, emphasized spiritual decorum over public dispute.

The ace singer also shut down speculation about a legal feud or a war of words.

“I am not one to judge people and their opinions of me, but as a man of God myself (Bishop Shina Peters), I understand that as stakeholders of the body of Christ we’re not supposed to exchange words against each other. Instead we are to set good examples for the body of Christ”, the statement reads.

“For the sake of the legacy of our Creator and Christ Jesus, as well as other esteemed great men of God such as St Moses Orimolade Tunolase, and the likes, I will not be taking legal actions neither will I speak ill against you, despite your false & derogatory statements,” he wrote.

“The way I see it, God has really blessed me beyond words, you can’t even begin to imagine the blessings of God upon my life all these decades. People close to me know what I’m talking about.”

He concluded with a prayerful call for unity and positive influence, directly addressing Ashimolowo.

“God, being a loving Father, has also blessed you, His son, @matthewashimolowo_official; how we use our blessings to set good examples for people is what matters now,” he said.

“May God Almighty continue to shower His blessings and love on the both of us, and may God Almighty continue to bless all my fans all over the world. Amen.”