The President of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, has appealed to Nigerians, especially social media users to stop mocking Christian leaders over the country’s ongoing security problems.
Speaking during the dedication and handover ceremony of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Restoration in Osogbo, Osun State, on Saturday, Oladele said prayers offered by religious leaders have played a major role in holding Nigeria together despite its difficulties. The church building was donated by Prof. and Mrs. ‘Siji Olamiju.
Oladele condemned a viral social media post that mocked prominent clerics, including Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor William Kumuyi and Bishop David Oyedepo, accusing them of failing to use prayers to resolve insecurity. He described such attacks as disrespectful and misguided.
According to him, Nigeria’s spiritual leaders have remained steadfast in praying for divine peace, and their efforts should not be dismissed or ridiculed.
“We are guided by the Bible, not by criticisms from bloggers,” he said. “The Bible teaches us to pray for those in authority, not to tear them down. Many battles of life are won on our knees, not by disruptive criticism.”
Oladele added that Nigeria is living “in the days of mockers,” noting that some people no longer show respect for elders or clergy. He urged citizens to remember that religious leaders are human beings who cannot be perfect but are committed to seeking God’s intervention for the country.
He encouraged citizens to trust in God amid rising insecurity, noting that divine mercy is the reason Nigeria has not completely fallen apart. “Without God, we can achieve nothing. It is God who has kept this nation together,” he said.
The donor of the new church building, Prof. Olamiju, said he constructed the church as an expression of gratitude to God for sparing his life during a serious medical situation. He affirmed his commitment to promoting the gospel and urged Nigerians to live in peace, love, and mutual respect.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande; former Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye; former federal lawmaker Ajibola Famurewa; traditional rulers; and church members from across and beyond the state.
Oladele’s warning comes amidst growing concern about the misuse of social media to target religious figures with false claims and hostile commentary. Earlier in January, The PUNCH reported that a youth group, Concerned Nigerian Christian Youths, urged security agencies to track down and prosecute individuals who use social media to incite religious tension or spread lies against churches, mosques, and clerics.
The group also called for stronger actions against cyberbullying, noting that unchecked online attacks on religious institutions pose a serious threat to national stability.
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