Legendary Afro Juju icon Sir Shina Peters has finally reacted to viral remarks made by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), after the cleric compared his financial choices to those of Zenith Bank founder Jim Ovia.
The comment, delivered during a church sermon and widely shared online, was used to emphasize the principle of delayed gratification—but it quickly sparked debate across social media, especially among music lovers and industry insiders.
The Comparison That Sparked Reactions
In the now-viral clip, Pastor Ashimolowo referenced how two men allegedly received the same amount of money but made very different decisions:
“Shina Peters, ₦20 million, he built a house… Jim Ovia, ₦20 million, started a bank. One man is now fixing leaking roofs and broken toilets, and the other one — everywhere I go in Africa, Zenith is there,” the pastor said, urging his congregation to delay gratification so God could elevate them.
While some applauded the message, others felt the example unfairly diminished Shina Peters’ legacy and contribution to Nigerian culture.
Shina Peters Breaks His Silence
Almost a week after the sermon went viral, Shina Peters addressed the issue via Instagram Stories, choosing calm reflection over confrontation.
The music legend made it clear that he has no intention of escalating the matter or taking legal action, stressing that he prefers peace.
“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,” he wrote.
He added that those who know him personally understand the depth of his journey and success.
“People close to me know what I am talking about,” he stated.
Faith, Legacy, and Perspective
Shina Peters also noted that he is a clergyman himself, which influenced his decision not to respond with hostility or speak negatively about Pastor Ashimolowo.
The response has since drawn praise from fans who described it as graceful, mature, and deeply reflective, with many pointing out that success cannot be measured by wealth alone.
More Than Money
Sir Shina Peters remains one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians, having reshaped Afro Juju music in the late 1980s and 1990s. He previously played with Prince Adekunle’s band before breaking out on his own and later rebuilding his image after leaving the group—a journey he has openly discussed in past interviews.
For many supporters, his impact on culture, music, and generations of artistes is a legacy that cannot be reduced to financial comparisons.
In the end, Shina Peters’ message was simple:
God’s blessings come in different forms—and his own story is far from a regret.
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