U.S.-Based Influencer Seeks GoFundMe Support for Legal Appeal In Dispute With Pastor DK Olukoya
OpenLife reports that Nigerian influencer Funke Ashekun, currently based in the United States, has launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Support Funke’s Fight Against Injustice” to raise funds for her ongoing legal battle against Pastor Daniel Olukoya, leader of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM).
The campaign seeks to raise $75,000 to cover legal fees and related expenses.
Ashekun alleges her troubles began after she publicly accused Pastor Olukoya of presiding over a system of “abuse, coercion, and control,” particularly targeting women within the church’s headquarters.
She claims that rather than addressing these allegations, the church leadership responded with intimidation and legal action aimed at silencing her.
“I have spent over $400,000 fighting these battles,” Ashekun said, describing herself as financially drained yet determined to continue her pursuit of justice. She claims that although she has won two prior criminal cases, a recent trial was marred by irregularities, including the exclusion of key evidence, the silencing of witnesses, and the loss of critical exhibits.
She further stated that she was forced to represent herself while the scope of the case shifted mid-trial, undermining her defense.
The next phase of her legal challenge will move to the appellate level, with funds intended for legal representation, court filings, and transcript preparation.
Ashekun has petitioned authorities in multiple U.S. states, alleging that Olukoya’s actions extend beyond religious practice into exploitation and abuse.
In a petition she launched, Ashekun alleges that Olukoya systematically targets vulnerable single mothers and young women, using his position to exploit them under the guise of prayer and spiritual guidance. She writes:
“A single mother of 4 who worshipped in Dr. DK Olukoya’s headquarters church once took to social media to tell her ordeal in the hands of Dr DK Olukoya. I was not surprised to later find her coming back to contradict everything she once said and making an open apology to Dr. Olukoya.
Olukoya is always making his victims retract their statements and making apology videos using the corrupt system in Nigeria to oppress and suppress his victims.
This is the extent of his manipulation of his vulnerable victims. Some people cropped up and downloaded the contents she shared; I have some in my possession.”
She also described an ex-member facing alleged imprisonment:
“An ex-member of Dr. Olukoya’s church, a young man who refused to allow his wife to honor Dr. Olukoya’s prayer/counseling invitation, is currently going through his plight. Richard Ayotunde is in prison for daring to speak up.
He uses the corrupt judicial system and the police in Nigeria to clamp down on anyone trying to speak out against his crimes against members.”
Ashekun further asserts that Olukoya uses church branches worldwide, including in the U.S., to pursue legal cases by proxy:
“His branch in Nevada has just sued me by proxy on his behalf. There are tracking records of Dr. DK Olukoya in the US, using people to make legal cases on his behalf, and he will do everything possible not to appear in court.”
She concluded with a call for accountability:
“Immediate action must be taken to investigate these allegations and, where necessary, hold Dr. DK Olukoya accountable for his reprehensible actions.”
Ashekun’s GoFundMe campaign and ongoing legal proceedings underscore a complex dispute between her and Pastor DK Olukoya. While she maintains her allegations of abuse and misconduct, the case is still under judicial review, and no final verdict has been reached.
The appellate process will allow both parties to present their evidence and arguments, with the outcome determining the next steps in the legal process.
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