Why Are Nigeria’s Top Pastors Silent Amidst Growing Hardship? Odumeje Calls Out Adeboye and Oyedepo
Prophet Odumeje, a well-known preacher from Anambra, has boldly criticized two of Nigeria’s most influential religious leaders—Pastor E.A. Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church. But here’s where it gets controversial: he’s accusing them of staying quiet while millions of Nigerians suffer under worsening economic conditions.
In a video that quickly went viral online, Odumeje, who is also known as “Indaboski,” expressed deep frustration over the escalating poverty and hardship in Nigeria. He questioned why these senior pastors, who were once vocal critics of government policies, have now seemingly turned a blind eye to the struggles of everyday citizens.
Odumeje reminded viewers of a time during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration when many pastors openly condemned government decisions, especially those related to rising fuel prices and economic difficulties. He said, “Look at Adeboye back then—he was openly complaining about the high cost of fuel. But today, things have gotten even worse, and yet no one is speaking out. Prices keep going up every single day, and it seems like they’ve just accepted bad governance as the new normal.”
The preacher didn’t stop there. He drew a sharp comparison between Nigeria’s current economic state and that of its neighbor, Ghana. According to Odumeje, it’s downright embarrassing that Ghana now has a stronger currency than Nigeria. He pointed out, “Nigeria’s government is the worst right now. Ghana is even mocking Nigerians because their currency, the cedi, is now comparable to the US dollar. We used to laugh at Ghana’s money, but today, the situation has flipped.”
Odumeje passionately argued that faith leaders have a responsibility to use their platforms to hold political leaders accountable instead of remaining silent. “These are the people who should be speaking up. Adeboye and Oyedepo have a huge influence because people listen to them. Nigerians are suffering, and they need to hear from their spiritual leaders,” he emphasized.
He also issued a rallying cry to Nigerian youths, urging them to unite and reclaim their country from what he described as “politicians disguised as businessmen.” Odumeje believes those in power have lost touch with the realities faced by ordinary citizens, especially young people who bear the brunt of poor governance. “The time has come for the youth to rise up. They must stop relying on those who treat politics like a business. Nigeria belongs to all of us,” he declared.
The video sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many users weighing in on Odumeje’s bold statements. Some accused Pastor Adeboye of tribal bias, suggesting he would protest if a leader from another tribe performed poorly. Others defended Bishop Oyedepo, noting that he had warned Nigerians against voting for the current administration from the start.
For example, one user commented, “Daddy Oyedepo has been a voice since day one… he warned everyone about APC.” Another lamented, “Papa Oyedepo kept shouting in 2015 not to vote Buhari, and in 2023, he and his ministry have been clear about not supporting this administration. Now we’re all facing the terrible consequences of our choices.”
In a related but separate controversy, actress Rita Edochie publicly criticized Prophet Odumeje for allowing actor Yul Edochie and his wife Judy Austin to climb the altar during a church service. The incident, which was also widely shared online, showed Yul praising himself and his wife on the altar, prompting Rita to express her disappointment with Odumeje’s decision to permit such behavior.
This entire situation raises some important questions: Should religious leaders be more vocal about political and economic issues affecting their congregations? Or is there a risk in mixing faith with politics? And what role should the youth play in shaping Nigeria’s future when those in power seem disconnected from their struggles?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree with Odumeje’s call for pastors to speak out more boldly? Or do you think faith leaders should remain neutral? Join the conversation and share your perspective in the comments below.
