Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the founder of Word of Life Bible Church and former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has opened up about his battle with cancer and the expensive treatment he received abroad. In a video shared via his verified Instagram page on Sunday, May 24th, Oritsejafor disclosed that he kept his illness private while continuing his church activities despite being in pain.
Details of the Battle
Oritsejafor revealed that his treatment and medical care cost over $120,000 before he eventually recovered. He did not disclose the specific type of cancer he was battling but stated that he spent months in treatment and on bed rest. The clergyman explained that doctors in the United States told him the cancer had spread to other parts of his body, leading to additional tests to check if it had reached his bones.
Continued Ministry Despite Pain
Despite the severe pain, Oritsejafor continued to carry out his church activities publicly. He said, "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 later returned to Nigeria and attended a church program called Jubilee, but when the pain became severe, he traveled back abroad for further treatment.
Treatment Process
Doctors later confirmed that the cancer had not reached his bones, so treatment started immediately. However, Oritsejafor developed an infection during treatment, which doctors initially found difficult to manage. A planned surgery was canceled after an older doctor advised against it and suggested antibiotics instead. The second round of antibiotics worked, and his condition improved.
Strict precautions were in place during his hospital stay. Visitors had to wear protective clothing before entering his room due to the infection. Oritsejafor eventually recovered after spending about four months receiving treatment in the United States.
