Benson Andrew Idahosa was a charismatic Pentecostal preacher who lived from September 11, 1938, to March 12, 1998. Church of God Mission International was formed by him. In Nigeria, Archbishop Benson Idahosa was widely considered the founder of Pentecostalism.
Idahosa was the founder of Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Bishop F.E.B. Idahosa, his only son, is currently serving in a number of capacities, including vice-president of All Nations for Christ Bible Institute International, president of BIU, and founder and president of Big Ben’s Children Hospital.
Ministry
Idahosa formally established the Church of God Mission International in October 1968, although it had begun as a “small prayer group” earlier. The Advertising Standards Authority contested Idahosa’s claim that he had revived eight people from the dead, requesting proof that the individuals in question had actually died.
He was commissioned into ministry in 1971 by Pa Elton and James Gordon Lindsey. Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church Worldwide was one of the people he ordained in 1989 after being ordained as a bishop himself in 1981.
On March 12, 1998, Idahosa passed away. His wife, Margaret Idahosa, and four children survived him. Later, his wife became the Archbishop of the Christian organization he created, Church of God Mission International (CGMI). She is also the Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University.
