Founder of Word of Life Bible Church Ayo Oritsejafor has spoken about his battle with cancer and the treatment he received abroad.
In videos shared online and on his Instagram page, the former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria said he kept his illness away from many members of his church while undergoing treatment.
Although he did not disclose the type of cancer, Pastor Oritsejafor said he spent months in treatment and on bed rest, with medical expenses reaching over $120,000.
According to him, he was in pain during church programmes but continued carrying out his activities publicly.
“I was in pain, but I was still doing my best for God. There was cancer in my body. I was laughing, I was smiling,” he said.
The cleric said doctors in the United States informed him that the cancer had spread to other parts of his body, prompting further medical tests to determine if it had reached his bones.
He said he later returned to Nigeria and attended a church programme known as Jubilee before travelling back abroad for treatment because the pain became severe.
Oritsejafor said doctors later confirmed that the cancer had not spread to his bones and treatment began immediately.
He also recounted developing an infection during treatment which, according to him, doctors initially struggled to manage.
The pastor said plans for another surgery were cancelled after an elderly doctor advised against it and recommended antibiotic treatment instead.
According to him, the second round of antibiotics later worked and his condition improved.
Ayo Oritsejafor added that strict precautions were taken during his stay in hospital, with visitors required to wear protective clothing before entering his room because of the infection.
He said he eventually recovered after spending about four months receiving treatment in the United States.
