Chris Oyakhilome is a Nigerian televangelist and pastor who is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, a Christian organization that runs the largest church in Africa, the LoveWorld International Music and Arts Festival, and a television station called LoveWorld TV. Oyakhilome's preaching is characterized by healings, miracles, and prosperity theology. Oyakhilome was born Christopher Okotie on December 7, 1963, in Edo State, Nigeria. He is the fifth of six children. His father was a civil servant and his mother was a trader. Oyakhilome began his primary education in Benin City before moving to Lagos to attend secondary school. He graduated from Middleton High School in Benin City in 1979. In 1980, Oyakhilome enrolled at the Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo State, where he studied architecture. He dropped out of school after one year to pursue a career in music. Oyakhilome is a trained musician and played the keyboard in his father's church as a teenager. He also played in various nightclubs in Benin City before becoming a born-again Christian in 1986. Oyakhilome was ordained as a pastor in 1987 by Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide. He later founded the LoveWorld Fellowship Church (now known as Christ Embassy) in 1987 with just five members. The church has since grown to become one of the largest congregations in Africa with over 40,000 members. Oyakhilome's ministry has been criticized for its focus on wealth and prosperity. Critics have also accused him of being a false prophet and exploiting his followers for financial gain. Oyakhilome has denied these accusations and has said that his critics are "jealous" of his success.