Nollywood Activist VDM Criticizes Tonto Dikeh's Prayer Videos, Urges Action Over Faith
Controversial social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as Verydarkman (VDM), has ignited a heated online debate by reacting to Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh's frequent prayer videos. The mother of one, who has embraced a born-again Christian lifestyle, has been sharing clips of herself praying in tongues and engaging in spiritual practices on social media platforms.
VDM's Controversial Remarks on Prayer and Work
In a recent Instagram post, VDM shared a short video of Tonto Dikeh praying and made bold statements about her faith journey. He asserted, "God no call her, he no know her," suggesting that divine calling is not merely about public displays of prayer. VDM elaborated that prayer without accompanying action is meaningless, emphasizing that Nigeria needs more than spiritual supplications to address its challenges.
He criticized the actress by highlighting her influence as a celebrity, arguing that such platforms should be used to promote tangible work rather than solely religious expressions. VDM pointed out that the church has increasingly become a commercial enterprise, with less focus on initiatives that could generate employment for Nigerians.
Broader Critique of Religious and Economic Leaders
Expanding his critique, VDM took aim at prominent Nigerian clerics, including Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor David Ibiyeomie. He accused them of prioritizing the construction of massive auditoriums over creating job opportunities for citizens. According to VDM, this reflects a broader issue where religious institutions neglect economic empowerment in favor of architectural grandeur.
He referenced historical examples to bolster his argument, noting that Aliko Dangote's grandfather was involved in exportation, and suggested that if 20% of Nigerians returned to farming, the country could achieve food surplus. VDM also cited former finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, stating that while prayer played a role in her success, it was her skills and intelligence that ultimately drove her achievements.
Fan Reactions and Ongoing Debates
The activist's comments have sparked diverse reactions from fans and followers on social media. Some users defended Tonto Dikeh, questioning VDM's motives and accusing him of targeting her unprovoked. Others engaged in theological discussions, debating the balance between faith and works in contemporary society.
This is not the first instance of VDM commenting on Tonto Dikeh's spiritual journey. Months earlier, he shared another video of her praying and requested she drop a lawsuit filed against him. Additionally, a cleric has previously warned against monetizing salvation by recording prayers, echoing concerns about the commercialization of faith.
Legal Threats and Broader Context
In related developments, singer Terry Apala has issued an ultimatum to VDM over a video alleging his arrest by the EFCC and bribery to secure release. Apala demanded the removal of the content or face legal consequences, highlighting the activist's history of controversial statements that often lead to conflicts.
The debate underscores ongoing tensions in Nigerian society regarding the role of religion, celebrity influence, and economic development. As public figures like Tonto Dikeh share their faith openly, critics like VDM challenge them to align their spiritual practices with actionable contributions to societal progress.
