Daddy Freeze Responds to BBNaija Cross with ₦100 Million Challenge
Media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, better known as Daddy Freeze, has fired back at Big Brother Naija star Cross Okonkwo after being criticized for his comments on Alexx Ekubo's Service of Songs. The response came in the form of a bold financial challenge, with Freeze putting ₦100 million on the line if Nigerian pastors can heal one verified cripple out of fifty within 72 hours.
Background of the Clash
The controversy began after Daddy Freeze shared a video on Instagram addressing his outfit at Alexx Ekubo's Service of Songs held on June 10. During the video, he condemned the pastor's sermon at the service and accused gospel singer Mercy Chinwo of turning the solemn event into a concert. Freeze also questioned Nathaniel Bassey and other pastors, asking why they could not raise Alexx Ekubo from the dead if they truly performed the miracles they often showcase online.
In response to Freeze's remarks, Cross Okonkwo told Daddy Freeze to keep quiet if he did not understand Jesus Christ, urging him to stop attacking men and women of God.
Daddy Freeze's Bold Challenge
Daddy Freeze replied to Cross Okonkwo in another Instagram video posted on the night of June 14. He challenged the reality TV star to prove the power of miracle ministries. The media personality declared that he would personally put down ₦50 million and raise another ₦50 million from his supporters, making a total of ₦100 million, if any pastor could heal one cripple out of fifty he would provide.
Freeze stated: "This message is for Cross Okonkwo. What's all this deflection about? Men of God? Cross, I hereby challenge you. I put ₦50 million down and I will raise a further ₦50 million from my people, making a total of ₦100 million. If any of your so-called men of God can heal just one of the 50 cripples that I will provide, you can't tell me that out of 50 you can't find one that has faith."
He referenced biblical accounts of Lazarus, Eutychus, Jairus' daughter, and the woman with the issue of blood, stressing that miracles in scripture happened in public places, not confined to churches. Freeze insisted that the test should be held at a civic centre, with verified cases, and gave Cross Okonkwo 72 hours to present pastors who claim to perform miracles.
Daddy Freeze Clarifies His Role
The media personality also clarified his role, stating that he is a scripture teacher who studies texts in original languages such as Textus Receptus and Codex Sinaiticus, not a miracle worker. He emphasized that the challenge was directed at those who regularly advertise miraculous healings online.
Freeze said: "What does my profile say? Scripture teacher. I study scripture in original languages: Textus Receptus, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Sinaiticus, Septuagint, Biblia Sacra Vulgata. I will teach you what's inside the books, and that's what I promise. I do not promise to raise anybody or heal anybody. I'm a scripture teacher, and the day I don't teach you the scripture, quarrel with me. We are specifically calling out those people who do these miracles every day. We see them on social media. We are ready now to put it to the test."
Previous Clash with Yul Edochie
Earlier, Daddy Freeze had condemned Yul Edochie for his comments about the late Alexx Ekubo's widow, Anwuli. The popular actor had criticized the deceased for keeping his marriage private while people were mourning his sudden passing. Daddy Freeze fired back by stating that the late actor did not owe anyone a public announcement and demanded respect for the dead.
