Enoch Adeboye, Abel Damina, 3 other Nigerian pastors who made headlines for controversial statements

• The era when Nigerian Christians accepted everything their pastors proclaimed without question is gradually coming to an end
• Well-known pastors, including figures such as Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Dr. Abel Damina, have faced intense scrutiny and criticism for statements and actions perceived as unbiblical or illogical
• Here are five Nigerian pastors who have made controversial statements that have gotten social media abuzz

Christianity has established a significant presence in Nigeria, particularly within the Pentecostal movement, leading to an increase in the number of pastors nationwide. Over the years, some of these pastors have been labelled fake, while others are seen as genuine, with many falling somewhere in between. 

The era when Nigerian Christians accepted everything their pastors proclaimed without question is gradually coming to an end. Well-known pastors, including figures such as Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Dr. Abel Damina, have faced intense scrutiny and criticism for statements and actions perceived as unbiblical or illogical. 

Interestingly, much of this backlash is coming from the Christians themselves rather than atheists.

Social media has become a platform where netizens are quick to call out pastors when they sense wrongdoing. As a result, discussions about religious leaders have surged considerably, especially since 2025. 

Here are five Nigerian pastors whose controversial statements have sparked heated reactions online:

1. Pastor Tobi Adegboyega

Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, the founder of the Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC Nation), has dominated headlines due to allegations of financial mismanagement and fraud. 

Former church members have accused SPAC Nation of cult-like behaviours that encourage illegal activities, including taking out loans and committing benefit fraud. When confronted with these allegations, Pastor Adegboyega dismissed the critics as “dogs barking at each other,” asserting that they were not addressing him or his church. He insists that he owes no explanations to his detractors, stating, “Nigerians need rice, not answers” 

The comment sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, who took to social media to express their disappointment and anger. Many labelled him "fake" and accused him of scamming his congregation. The backlash was intense, with numerous individuals sharing negative experiences with the pastor and his church.

2. Dr. Abel Damina

Dr. Abel Damina, the founder of Power City International, stirred controversy when he claimed that drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes are not sins. 

During a New Year’s Eve service in 2025, he emphasised that his role as a preacher is to focus on salvation through faith rather than moral rules. This bold statement led to mixed reactions, with some praising his focus on spiritual growth while others criticising him for potentially promoting careless behaviour.

The preacher's unconventional views have sparked controversy again. While some netizens acknowledge his biblical knowledge, they also express concerns about his spiritual completeness, suggesting that he needs guidance.

In his latest sermon, Damina made another provocative statement, declaring that Jesus is the actual first fruit, not money. He cautioned that when pastors ask for first fruit offerings, believers should respond by saying "Jesus" is the first fruit. He stated: "They are warming up to collect another first fruit, and we will scatter that table. Jesus is the first fruit, first fruit is not money. So when a preacher says, 'Bring your first fruit', say,' Take Jesus.' 

This statement has generated significant debate, with some critics accusing Damina of being against tithing and first fruit offerings.

3. Pastor Enoch Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, addressed a mocked AI-generated image portraying him as an Alhaji during the first Holy Ghost Night of 2025. 

He warned that mockers would be more prominent and aggressive in the year ahead but also noted that those who mock him may not survive the year according to divine will.

However, social media users criticised this address, stating that his approach contradicted God's words: "Bless those who curse you.”

Prior to this statement, Pastor Adeboye recently apologised for saying that anyone who doesn't pay tithe will not make it to heaven, acknowledging that the Bible did not support this stance.

He further encouraged the members to give cheerfully and generously rather than out of obligation or fear. He stated:

“I’m a scientist, and I know that for years we thought that light travels in a straight line, and those of you that do a little Physics, we say it’s true, but light doesn’t bend in corners; it goes straight. But later, we discovered that light travels in waves, going in one direction but in waves. It’s wrong to limit you to 10 per cent when some of you should be or want to bring 20 per cent, 30 per cent and 40 per cent because 10 per cent should be for beginners and giving should be voluntary.” 

4. Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo 

As the founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Pastor Fatoyinbo has faced his share of controversies. In a recent viral video, he commented that a person should not preach the gospel if they seemed unprosperous, indicating that while prosperity does not grant the right to preach, it certainly helps. 

The man of God stated, "Somebody went to preach to someone, and the person asked him to wait while he asked him questions, have you given your life to Jesus? Yes, he responded. And you are looking like this? Please leave my presence. I am not saying prosperity is what gives you the right to preach the gospel, but it helps. The devil fears prayer but he's not afraid of you if you don't have money." 

This comment was immediately met with contradictions by some Nigerians who stated once a pastor preaches like this, you already know that he is a scammer.

5. Pastor Bolaji Idowu

Pastor Bolaji Idowu, the Lead Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Center, a vibrant, multi-centre church located in the city of Lagos, and pastor to many Nigerian celebrities like Sharon Ooja, Veekee James-Atere, and many more, have also gotten to the list of pastors who have made controversial statements. 

The pastor, who was recently involved in an alleged fraud scandal with the EFCC, said things that have gotten lots of people talking, with a video making the rounds online. He noted that ladies will pray that God should give them godly men. After God has answered their prayers, they usually demand an iPhone anytime they step out with their men.

"All these girls that are saying I am looking for a good man, a godly man, when they find a godly man, why do they ask for an iPhone and not a bible?" 

Social media began to question pastors' obsession with relationships and their failure to focus on salvation, redemption, and building relationships with God. Some fired back that churches ask for money, not food.

As these controversies unfold, the landscape of Christianity in Nigeria continues to evolve, with increasing scrutiny from within faith communities themselves.

2025 Prophecies: What the top Nigerian men of God are saying about the New Year

As 2025 kicks off, several prophecies have emerged from popular Nigerian pastors. Some have shared their vision for what the year holds for Nigerians. Others drew believers by the ear with stern warnings to desist from certain carnal acts. 

TheRadar curated 2025 prophecies as declared by popular Men of God.