The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has thrown down the gauntlet at the National Assembly over its proposed ban on preaching inside commercial vehicles. In a fiery video address delivered on Sunday, August 2, 2026, Oke instructed all 65 million Pentecostal Christians in Nigeria to deliberately enter buses and taxis to continue spreading the gospel, even if it means breaking the law.
Bishop Oke, who leads the PFN, made it unmistakably clear that the church will not bow to legislative pressure when it comes to fulfilling what he described as a divine mandate. His comments come amid growing controversy over a Senate move to enforce a prohibition on religious preaching in public transport, a measure that has sparked outrage among Christian leaders across the country.
PFN President Fires Back at National Assembly
Speaking to his congregation, Bishop Oke responded directly to the lawmakers promoting the ban, dismissing their efforts as an attack on peaceful worshippers while more serious crimes continue to ravage Nigeria. He highlighted the irony of targeting gospel preachers while ignoring killers, kidnappers, and bandits operating with impunity.
“You don't go after killers, those beheading, you don't go after kidnappers, you don't go after bandits who are unlawfully carrying arms, but you are going after us preaching the gospel of peace,” Oke declared.
The PFN president went further, issuing a call to action that resonated across Christian communities. “I lead over 65 million people, everybody go into every taxi, go into every bus and preach. Let them arrest us,” he charged, signalling that the church is prepared for confrontation with the state over this issue.
'We Will Preach Everywhere'
In perhaps his most defiant statement, Oke directly invoked the authority of God over that of the National Assembly. “We will break that law because our master told us to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature,” he said. “You sit somewhere there and say that we shouldn't preach in buses? We will preach in buses, we will preach everywhere.”
The video of his remarks quickly went viral, drawing both support and criticism from Nigerians on social media platforms. Many Christians praised his boldness, describing the Senate’s proposal as an infringement on religious freedom.
Senate Clarifies Existing Law
In response to the backlash, the Senate has clarified that the prohibition on preaching in commercial vehicles is not a new law. According to the Senate, the measure has existed in Nigerian legislation since 2007, introduced as an amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission Establishment Act. This explanation, however, has done little to quell the anger among religious leaders who see the enforcement of such a law as a direct assault on the gospel.
Bishop Oke is not alone in his stance. Pastor David Ibiyeomie, a prominent Nigerian clergyman, has also publicly condemned the proposed enforcement, adding his voice to the growing opposition. The collective rejection from influential church figures highlights the deep rift between the religious community and the legislative body over this issue.
Nigerians React to the Bishop's Defiance
The video of Bishop Oke’s fiery sermon sparked a wave of responses on Facebook, with many Christians expressing unwavering support for his position. One user, Afolabi Gabriel, wrote: “We are breaking the law with joy. We must preach in bus.” Another commenter, Samson Amedu Friday, declared: “Thank you Sir. That law is dead on arrival.”
Adetunji Stephen added: “This kind of law I will joyfully want to break. Christians are law abiding and peaceful, don't kill or slaughter like that other religion. But when it comes to preaching, the reason Jesus came to die. Then the demonic law makers should be ready.” The comment reflects a sentiment that many Christians see the ban as an undue restriction on their faith.
Akaazua Zachariah Zungwenen drew a parallel to biblical figures, noting: “Is it called civil disobedience daddy, I think they need to go and ask Daniel, Meshach et al. All we need to do is to get set because revival is about to break forth in Nigeria.” Others like Sunday Alison simply declared: “The gates of hell shall not prevail!” while Unekwu Abraham concluded: “Exactly sir. It's going to be the law that will be broken most.”
Ibiyeomie Defends Pastors on Insecurity
In a related development, Pastor David Ibiyeomie has responded to criticism that religious leaders have remained silent on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Speaking out, Ibiyeomie argued that many critics were quiet when pastors raised their voices during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. He questioned why church leaders are now being accused of inaction, insisting that pastors have consistently spoken out on national issues.
Ibiyeomie maintained that the clergy has not been silent and continues to address the challenges facing the nation. His remarks add another layer to the ongoing debate about the role of the church in Nigeria’s socio-political affairs.
As the controversy over the bus preaching ban continues to unfold, Bishop Wale Oke’s defiant stance has galvanised many Christians, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the church and the National Assembly.
