A Nigerian cleric has sparked intense reactions online after urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to arrest leading pastors across the country, including Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church.
The cleric, who delivered the message in Yoruba during a church sermon, claimed Nigeria’s ongoing challenges persist because pastors have not collectively engaged in forceful intercessory prayers on behalf of the nation.
In the widely circulated video, he said all pastors, himself included, should be gathered and taken to Eagle Square in Abuja under military watch. He insisted that authorities must create a harsh setting that would push religious leaders to pray intensely for national recovery.
He added that he should be used as an example to send a firm message to other clerics.
“Arrest all of us, Adeboye, Oyedepo, and every pastor, including me. Take us to Eagle Square with soldiers. Shoot me first and tell others that if they don’t pray to solve Nigeria’s problems, they will face the same fate,” he said in Yoruba.
The cleric maintained that only extreme actions of this kind would compel religious leaders to assume responsibility for addressing Nigeria’s social, economic, and political issues through prayer.
His comments have triggered debate online, with Nigerians expressing differing views over his radical stance. While some considered his statement humorous, others argued that prayer is not the remedy to the country’s security crisis.
Vasco said, “Say nah pastor be problem of this country ? 😢😢 ase oro not funny at all”
Otunba also said, “Na RUBBISH him they talk nobi prayer be Nigeria problem na bad and selfish leaders”
Edunjobi asked, “Make them use you do scape goat?”
Akal said, “Some of them will say they are not pastors o”
Obafemi said, “Dis man Don high on Coke”
Beauty brand said, “Make this man Dey do comedy Abeg , I go subscribe ”
McJob said, “You go see where pastors dey deny their call”