Archbishop Benson Idahosa is a name that has continued to make waves despite being 27 years since his death (as of the time of writing in October 2025). He was born in 1938 and died in 1998. It is believed in some quarters that he was the forebearer of Pentecostalism in the most populous black nation on earth- Nigeria.
We will look into the miracles he did while alive. Some of these miracles ranged from raising the dead (according to eyewitness narrations), powerful evangelism, and lots of earth-shattering, mouth-opening miracles he did as a preacher. These wondrous acts were not merely displays of supernatural power but profound expressions of faith and divine intervention. They underscore the core belief that through faith, believers are witnesses to God's boundless power over life and challenges.
For Christian readers, these miracles serve as a powerful testament to the belief that faith can move mountains, inspire hope, and encourage a deeper spiritual connection with God. Furthermore, individuals can draw inspiration from Idahosa's unwavering faith by applying similar belief in their everyday challenges. By praying with conviction, acting with courage, and maintaining trust in the face of adversity, believers can cultivate a robust spiritual growth reminiscent of Idahosa's powerful legacy.
Born in 1938, Archbishop Benson Idahosa's early life remains largely undocumented, but his later achievements speak volumes about his impact. One pivotal moment in his journey was the founding of the Church of God Mission International (CGMI). This was not just the establishment of a religious institution, but a defining moment that underscored his fearless disposition. His boldness, exemplified in both his teachings and actions, set the stage for his greater mission.
Founding CGMI was a bold step that demonstrated his vision to spread the Pentecostal faith across Nigeria, inspiring a new generation of believers. This determination propelled his ministry forward, underlining each of his subsequent achievements as a step rooted in this foundational act of faith.
His boldness did not start and end on the pulpit during preachings, he had what some people themed "excessive boldness in faith," and this was shown when a young girl was raised from the dead following his prayer.
Miracles Performed by Archbishop Ben Idahosa
1. Broken Skull Miracle
According to reports from some members of his church, a boy fell from a high building and broke his skull. He was brought before the Archbishop, and he prayed for the young boy whose skull was broken, and the boy recovered fully from it.
2. Fighting off witches
In the 1980s, something unheard of happened; witches and wizards planned to hold a conference in Benin City, which was Archbishop Benson Idahosa's base. He vowed that such a conference would never happen in the town where he lived. To verify this story, I embarked on an evidence hunt, sourcing contemporaneous newspaper articles and government notices from that era. This incident goes beyond mere opposition; it represents a spiritual battle against evil. Archbishop Idahosa's stance embodied a profound trust in God's power to protect and prevail. It serves as an inspiring reminder for believers to rely on their faith when facing personal or communal challenges, trusting in the divine to combat forces that seem insurmountable.
Reports from the Daily Times of Nigeria and archival records from the Benin City Municipality reflect the public outcry and the eventual cancellation of the conference. Records highlighted Idahosa's objections, describing them as a pivotal factor in the decision to cancel. The combination of public sentiment and his fierce opposition appeared to have been influential in ensuring the event never took place.
3. An Unending Increase in Building Materials
He embarked on his school building project, where he started experiencing shortages in building materials. Faced with this challenge, Archbishop Benson Idahosa did not resort to despair; instead, he demonstrated the profound role of persistent prayer and unwavering faith. It was said that he prayed fervently over the shortages, and till the end of the construction, there was never a shortage again.
This remarkable turn of events serves as a testament to the power of faith in overcoming obstacles. Accounts from the project's ledger indicated consistent delivery and inventory of materials beyond expected supply levels. This miraculous provision encourages readers to trust in God's ability to meet their needs through faith and prayer. Unfortunately, he did not see the end of the construction, as he died in 1998.
4. Powerful Miracles
During his earthly sojourn, it was said that his ministry was not all about faith, but had a strong evidence of miracles in it.
One particular healing story that exemplifies the atmosphere at his crusades is that of a blind woman named Maria, who traveled from a distant village with hope in her heart. Her story spread whispers through the packed crowd as she was led to the front by her family, who shared her struggles with those around them. As Archbishop Idahosa laid his hands on her and prayed fervently, the tent was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation.
Then, the miraculous happened- Maria opened her eyes to see the colorful banners and the sea of amazed faces around her. This singular moment stood out among the many miracles that drew thousands seeking healing and inspiration during the decades of the 70s and 80s.
Also, it was said that he raised some people from the dead- chief amongst them was the case of Joy Akporero. Her case was actually what made the media all over the world beamed her satellite of him and his ministry. It is believed that he also raised more people from the dead, but there is no certainty regarding the numbers.
It is important to note that not everyone bought into his style of preaching or believed in his miracles; for instance, in the United Kingdom, he came under serious scrutiny by the UK Advertising Standard Agency (ASA) over claims that he prayed and someone was raised from the dead. In the UK, evidence was needed- whether it was provided posterity will be the judge of that.
However, Archbishop Ben Idahosa, even in death, has remained a name to be reckoned with in the Nigerian pentecostal circles and by extension the World at large. His legacies have continued to live on since his death in 1998.
