Bishop David Oyedepo, the General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, has openly confronted President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria's deteriorating security and economic conditions. In a fiery sermon, the prominent pastor insisted that the federal government has failed to speak out against the daily killings of citizens and demanded an immediate change of approach.
A Direct Warning to President Tinubu
Oyedepo, who has a reputation for speaking bluntly on national affairs, accused the president of pretending that all is well. He stressed that the time for silence has passed and that the administration must show leadership. “The president needs to act now and stop pretending,” the bishop was quoted as saying from the pulpit.
He went further, linking the government's inaction to a sense of impunity among killers: “You can’t slaughter members of my family and expect me to pray for you. I will pray against you and your household.” This statement, captured on video, has since become a talking point among Nigerians.
Government Silence Over Killings
The cleric expressed disbelief that no official statement had been issued condemning the wave of attacks. “I have not heard any statement from government quarters against the killings. I’m yet to hear one, sir. Are human lives not of value anymore?” he said.
He also seemed to dismiss other restrictions on religious activities as distractions. “And now you mustn’t preach in the bus. Is that an issue? Ahn ahn? Do you think we are dummies?” he asked, referring to reports of bans on preaching in public transport vehicles.
Claims of Sponsored Violence
Oyedepo stated with conviction that the insecurity is not ordinary but sponsored by influential people. He warned these individuals that their time is running out. “It is clear the insecurity is sponsored by powerful people,” he declared, pointing to the sophistication and scale of the attacks.
He added that God’s apparent silence on the wickedness is a prelude to dramatic intervention: “Gunmen, they kill people every day. And government is pretending not to know what to do. I've kept quiet. When you see God keep quiet at wickedness, it's because the bubble is about to burst.”
Prophetic Warning of a Bursting Bubble
The phrase “the bubble is about to burst” was repeated as a central theme of his sermon. He revealed that he had remained quiet for a period, waiting on God, but received a message that the bubble will indeed burst. “We kept quiet waiting for God, and God told me the bubble will burst, and when the bubble burst, no matter where you're hiding...” he said, hinting at an inevitable reckoning.
His words have been interpreted as a prophesy of major upheaval if the government fails to act.
Prayer for and Against Destructive Agents
Turning to prayer, Oyedepo prayed against destructive agents in Nigeria, whether in power or out of power. He called on divine forces to expose and neutralize those responsible for the nation's woes. This spiritual warfare approach is typical of his ministry and has earned him both admiration and criticism.
Context of Insecurity and Economic Hardship
The bishop’s outburst comes at a time when Nigeria is facing a complex crisis: increased incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and communal clashes in various regions, coupled with a squeezed economy that has left many families struggling. Public frustration has been growing, and religious leaders have increasingly used their platforms to hold the government accountable.
Winners Chapel is one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria, with congregations across the globe. Oyedepo’s influence extends beyond the religious sphere, making his statements politically significant.
The video of the sermon, shared by blogger Linda Ikeji on Instagram, has drawn thousands of comments. While some Nigerians applaud Oyedepo for speaking truth to power, others have questioned the propriety of praying against the president.
Awaiting Government Response
At the time of writing, the presidency had not issued an official response to Oyedepo’s remarks. Whether the bishop’s warning will prompt a change in official communication remains to be seen.
What is certain is that his message has struck a chord with many Nigerians who feel that the government’s silence on civilian deaths is unacceptable. The phrase “are human lives not of value anymore” has been widely shared on social media, reflecting the mood of the nation.
As the country grapples with these challenges, Oyedepo’s sermon serves as a stark reminder that the patience of ordinary citizens, and their spiritual leaders, is not infinite.
