Controversial cleric Odumeje has sharply criticized Nigerian pastors, accusing many of them of refusing to speak out against bad governance while allegedly benefiting from the same political system. He made the comments during a recent church service.
Odumeje chastised religious leaders who, according to him, enjoy heavy security protection and preferential treatment from politicians. He argued that these leaders fail their congregations by avoiding crucial conversations about national hardship.
He explicitly challenged the integrity of religious leaders who remain silent, while questioning the credibility of those who boast about their spiritual status without any demonstrable impact:
“Bad government they can never talk about it. Fake people. I don move by people, I follow you based on your spiritual attitude. And everyone who stands on the altar in this government, you must talk.”
Odumeje further detailed the alleged hypocrisy and preferential treatment:
“You guys are the ones causing it, giving pastors a lot, with police and Mopols to guard them. But they will give you olive oil and sticker and tell you to go home. You trek home, while he goes home with police.”
He concluded by questioning the spiritual credentials of boastful but ineffective leaders:
“One miracle you have never done in your church, but you’d be bragging that you are Bishop…taa. go and sit down.”