- 2024 was marked by explosive controversies involving religious leaders and institutions
- From heated courtroom battles to viral social media debates, the nation witnessed faith leaders and institutions facing unprecedented scrutiny
- TheRadar curated a list of the top religious controversies that made headlines in 2024
Religion in Nigeria isn’t just a spiritual affair; it’s a racing force shaping culture, politics, and social interactions.
In 2024, the nation’s religious landscape was rocked by controversies that left many questioning the integrity of faith leaders, the dynamics of religious expression, and the delicate balance between reverence and accountability.
From dramatic courtroom battles to fiery declarations that sent shockwaves through social media, these incidents weren’t just events; they were spectacles.
While faith has often been a source of hope and unity, this year’s controversies highlighted power struggles, public criticism, and ethical questions within religious circles.
TheRadar explores the most explosive stories that defined Nigeria’s religious landscape in 2024.
17 religious controversies that caused buzz in 2024
1. Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin’s N1 billion defamation lawsuit
Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, sued social media activist Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) for N1 billion over defamation. The lawsuit stemmed from VeryDarkMan's allegations that Fufeyin’s miracle products and their certification by NAFDAC were questionable. The case highlighted the growing tension between religious leaders and critics on social media.
2. Prophet Odumeje’s threats against social media critics
Known for his dramatic style, Prophet Odumeje (Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere) made headlines in September 2024 by publicly threatening his critics, declaring, "I don’t use police," implying personal retaliation. Earlier in the year, he controversially attributed the depreciation of Nigeria’s currency to his absence, a statement that attracted widespread ridicule.
3. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and financial misconduct allegations
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, leader of Christ Embassy, faced allegations of financial misconduct and criticism for his prosperity gospel teachings. While many accused him of exploiting vulnerable followers, his ministry continued to grow, maintaining a loyal global audience.
4. Apostle Johnson Suleman’s scandals
Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries was embroiled in scandals involving accusations of financial exploitation and extramarital affairs. These controversies reignited debates about pastoral accountability and ethics in religious leadership. Suleman, however, denied all allegations against him.
5. Pastor Jerry Eze’s record-breaking event in London
Pastor Jerry Eze garnered praise and criticism after hosting a prayer gathering at London’s Twickenham Stadium in August, attracting over 82,000 attendees. While many celebrated his growing influence, some questioned the commercialisation of religious events on such a grand scale.
6. Pastor Tobi Adegboyega’s deportation battle
Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, founder of SPAC Nation in the UK, faced deportation after losing a legal battle with the UK government. Accused of financial misconduct and abuse within his church, Adegboyega dismissed the claims and maintained his innocence, but the case significantly affected his reputation.
7. Posthumous allegations against Prophet T. B. Joshua
The BBC’s investigative report in January 2024 alleged that the late Prophet T.B. Joshua had abused followers for over 15 years, including claims of rape and forced abortions. While SCOAN denied the allegations, the report reignited discussions about accountability in religious institutions and the ethics of posthumous accusations.
8. Controversial banner at Lekki central mosque
A banner displayed at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos proclaiming "Jesus Christ is not God. He is a Prophet and Messenger of God!" sparked outrage among Christians and Muslims. Although the banner was removed after public backlash, it ignited heated debates on religious tolerance and freedom of expression.
9. RCCG’s response to homosexual allegations and fraud scandal
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) suspended two pastors over allegations of homosexual behaviour. Additionally, Adeolu Adeboye, son of RCCG’s General Overseer, and his wife faced fraud allegations involving an uncompleted N8 billion road construction project, further tarnishing the church’s public image.
10. Pastor Bolaji Idowu’s legal troubles
Pastor Bolaji Idowu, known for his "Next-Level Prayer Conference," was detained by the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja over allegations of real estate fraud and money laundering. The case raised concerns about the intersection of religious leadership and financial misconduct.
11. Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s comments on Nigeria’s problems
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of RCCG, sparked controversy when he suggested that Nigeria’s issues are more spiritual than political, requiring divine intervention. His statement, made during a visit to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, faced backlash on social media, with critics arguing that the solution to Nigeria's problems lies in practical governance, not spirituality.
12. Adeboye apologises for tithe statement
Pastor Adeboye also came under fire for his earlier claim that Christians who fail to pay tithes won’t make heaven. The backlash led to a rare apology, with Adeboye admitting he was wrong. This incident reignited debates about tithing practices and pastoral teachings in Nigeria.
13. Adeboye’s exchange rate comment
In December, Adeboye claimed Nigeria’s financial woes could have worsened without divine intervention, predicting an exchange rate of N10,000/$1. He attributed the crisis to the country’s reliance on fuel imports and non-functional refineries. The statement drew mixed reactions, with some questioning the impact of divine solutions on economic policy.
14. Retirement of Bishop David Oyedepo’s deputies
Bishops David Abioye and Thomas Aremu, longtime deputies of Living Faith Church founder Bishop David Oyedepo, retired following new church policies lowering the retirement age from 60 to 55. Their retirements marked a significant shift in the church’s leadership, sparking discussions on the operational dynamics of one of Nigeria’s largest churches.
15. Pastor Jerry Eze’s controversial birthday celebration
Pastor Jerry Eze faced criticism for inviting celebrities E-Money and Obi Cubana to his 42nd birthday celebration. Critics, including media personality Ossai Success, argued that the association with their lifestyles contradicted Christian values. The incident sparked debates about faith leaders mingling with public figures who do not align with traditional Christian principles.
16. Miracle buzz around Pastor Jerry Eze
Pastor Jerry Eze also drew attention to a viral video where a man reportedly wheelchair-bound for 10 years was healed during a prayer session. While NSPPD members defended the miracle’s authenticity, sceptics, including Pastor Abel Damina, claimed such miracles were staged, citing the recurring use of identical, brand-new crutches in similar events.
17. Pastor Abel Damina’s critique of fake miracles and tithing
Pastor Abel Damina, founder of Power City International Ministry, publicly criticised fake miracles and tithing practices among Nigerian pastors. He labelled popular slogans like “What God cannot do does not exist” as misleading and accused some pastors of staging miracles for public appeal. Damina also called for a return to vocational jobs, insisting that pastors shouldn’t rely on congregants for financial sustenance.
10 controversies that shook Nigerian entertainment industry in 2024
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier ranked its top 10 controversies that shook the Nigerian entertainment space in 2024.
Aside from its glitz and glam, the Nigerian entertainment industry has consistently been engulfed with controversies that make headlines.
These controversies include Bobrisky’s 6-month jail term, Egugun's leaked private tape, Davido’s controversial comment about Nigeria’s economy, Wizkid and Davido's online tussle, the Chidimma Adetshina Saga, and other controversies.