ALIOHA’S LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO PENTECOSTALISM IN IGBOLAND (1912-1997)
ABSTRACT
The aberrations that exist among Pentecostals in Igboland of Nigeria have created doubts on the minds of people on what true Pentecostal spirituality is all about. The excesses which include monetization of anointing, flamboyant life-style of some Pentecostal preachers and prosperity gospel among others have caused some Christians to deviate from true Christianity. The purpose of this research is to reconstruct and x-ray the life and contributions of George Nnoromchi Alioha (1912-1997) to Pentecostalism in Igboland with the view of tapping from the true Pentecostal spirituality that he exhibited which is instructive in correcting the excesses found among Pentecostals. The method used for the research is historical and descriptive. Oral interviews were conducted purposefully; library works and internet were used. Data obtained were described and critically analyzed. It was discovered that Alioha was a co-pioneer of an indigenous Pentecostal group in Nigeria; preached holiness, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Jesus second coming with passion and insisted on obeying and “stopping” where the Bible “stops.” With the modern Pentecostals in Igboland gleaning from his life of holiness, persistence and contentment, and the Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria monitoring the activities of the ministers under her umbrella, the excesses would be reduced, giving room for true Pentecostal spirituality that would enrich and advance Christianity in Igboland and Nigeria as a nation.