‘Rolls-Royces, private jet’ — COZA under fire over VIP treatment of Ashimolowo

The Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) has sparked criticism on social media after sharing a video online showcasing Matthew Ashimolowo‘s lavish arrival at its summit in Abuja.

COZA recently hosted Ashimolowo as the guest minister of its 2024 leadership summit.

The church also documented the senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre’s journey from Lagos to Abuja.

The now-viral video showed Ashimolowo being escorted to a blue and ash-colored Rolls-Royce, which transported him to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, where he boarded a private jet.

Upon arrival in Abuja, Ashimolowo was warmly received by Biodun Fatoyinbo, COZA’s lead pastor, and his wife. He was then transported to his suite at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in a white Rolls-Royce.

“Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo’s INSANE VIP Arrival in 3 Rolls-Royces & a Private Jet!” the church wrote on X.

“The COZA Global Leadership Summit is getting deeper and wider. Don’t miss tonight’s session. We are live!!!”

The tweet has attracted a chorus of condemnation against COZA on social media. Some users condemned the display of wealth, arguing it contradicts Jesus’ teachings of humility and patience while others criticised the post’s caption, labeling it “clickbait”.

Below are what some users had to say:

Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on a donkey. Donkey symbolises humility, patience and hard-work. But today, we are on Rolls-Royce, Private jet and Presidential suites – which symbolises power, wealth and affluence. #COZA

— The Living (@uwemjay) October 13, 2024

Coza

In a period the all nation is struggling, una dey flaunt wealthy pastor luxury

Jesu ku sure… https://t.co/pK0draYn1e

— Ola (PhD) (@Ekitiketekan) October 13, 2024

COZA! COZA!! COZA!!!
This show of shame should stop at some point. Get tired of it and become serious.
The only thing you guys glorify is money. Jesus has no idea what's going on here. https://t.co/SrVlD3BnA5

— Yamai (@ThisisYamai) October 13, 2024

To be honest, I'm more worried that Pastor Mathew allowed such a thing go public (maybe he wasn't aware sha) because I no really think say COZA care like that. It was such a sad watch! https://t.co/TR4fJtbfD7

— KURDOR (@kurdorPeter) October 13, 2024

That thing that COZA posted should be condemned with the strongest words possible.

There's no justification at all for that display.

It goes against the very fabric of the gospel.

It's embarrassing to watch and nauseating to see.

Nobody whose primary interest is the gospel…

— Rasine Irem (@RasineIrem) October 13, 2024

Anytime COZA trends, it's always for something not edifying.

I wonder why this is so

— Dara George Of Jos (@GeorgeLambert_1) October 13, 2024

Not a fan of COZA but y'all should know by now how that ministry is built. That's their style. You might not like it, call it showoff but I don't see a sin there.

— Coach Lemmy (@lemmySong) October 13, 2024

See the VIP way COZA welcomed Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo. 3 Rolls-Royces & a Private Jet! My head wan blow

I hope they will teach members how to get money to live above T-Pain's impôsed hârdshîp. https://t.co/kbR2tje2kK

— Millionaire BusinessMan (@tboss_guy) October 13, 2024

The silliness in the name of honouring men and tapping grace as they call it in COZA. What do you need three Rolls Royces for? And what's the idea behind flying private and putting it online? This is not abundance, it's avarice and it's demonic. https://t.co/TlzZ6Nf2lY

— Rotimi (@rotimiinlagos) October 13, 2024