Genesis Global Prophet Defends Visit to Medina and Mecca Amid Online Backlash

Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, Shepherd-in-Charge of Genesis Global Church in Lagos, has returned from a reflective trip to Medina and Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The cleric faced sharp criticism on social media after photos of the visit circulated, with many questioning why a Christian leader would go to Islam’s holiest sites.

In a statement obtained by NaijaChoice News, Ogundipe made it clear the journey had nothing to do with conversion, competition or comparison.

“This visit was a journey of understanding, humility, heritage, and humanity,” he said.

Ogundipe traced the trip back to his childhood. His mother, a devoted Muslim woman, prayed that he would one day visit the Holy Land.

“Decades later, I stood in Medina and Mecca, and in that moment I realised that prayers, when sincere, transcend time, denomination and human limitations,” the prophet added.

He described Medina as a place of calmness, order and deep reverence that teaches discipline, patience and community.

Mecca, he said, humbled the soul as millions from different races, languages and cultures moved in unity.

“Before we are labelled by religion, tribe, or nationality, we are first human beings created by God,” Ogundipe stressed.

The Genesis Global leader explained that he chose to go because exposure brings understanding, and understanding births peace.

“Ignorance fuels hatred, but knowledge dissolves it,” he noted.

He believes spiritual leaders today must see beyond their own doctrines, especially in a divided world.

“This journey reinforced a truth I have always believed and taught: humanity comes before religion,” Ogundipe declared.

He pointed out that in heaven there will be no Christian or Muslim sections, only relationship with God and accountability for how people loved and treated one another.

Ogundipe said he observed the discipline, devotion and order of worshippers, along with systems that preserve sacredness and command collective respect.

Born into a Muslim family in Abeokuta before his household embraced Christianity, the prophet heads the Lagos-based Genesis Global Church, which has branches across Nigeria and beyond.

His message comes at a time when many Nigerians continue to call for greater tolerance between faiths in the country.