The proliferation of churches in Nigeria, coupled with the lack of effective regulation by government agencies responsible for oversight, is deeply troubling. Many religious organizations now operate as though they are above the law, exploiting loopholes in governance and the deep religiosity of Nigerians.
A notable example was during the Buhari administration, when reports emerged that Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s resignation as General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God was reversed. It was widely believed that political connections were used to retain his position. Regardless of the personalities involved, the principle remains clear. No non governmental organization, including churches, should have a life president or chairman unless such a provision was explicitly stated in the founding documents of that organization.
Today, many mushroom churches, and even some established ones, behave as though Nigeria has no laws. Their activities often go unchecked, and this lack of accountability has encouraged excesses. One of the most dangerous of these excesses is the rise of fake and reckless prophecies. Many of these predictions are volatile and capable of causing panic, unrest, or even violence if taken seriously by followers.
Legislators must urgently begin to examine the activities of these so called foreign and commercialized religions and assess their impact on Nigerian citizens. Increasingly, these religious platforms are being used as tools for fraud and manipulation.
A clear example is Primate Elijah Ayodele. Recently, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, took him to court over allegations of attempted extortion, where promises of becoming governor of Oyo State were allegedly made. More recently, Primate Ayodele publicly warned Nigeria’s national team coach not to play Ademola Lookman in a match in Morocco, claiming it would lead to defeat. Ironically, Lookman went on to score the opening goal and became Nigeria’s saviour in that match.
One must wonder how individuals who repeatedly make failed predictions continue without shame or accountability. Only professional scammers or people of no integrity would see nothing wrong in such behaviour.
There should be specific laws to regulate prophetic declarations and religious exploitation, with penalties ranging from heavy fines and jail terms to lifetime bans from the pulpit for repeat offenders. Such measures would serve as a deterrent and help restore sanity to Christianity in Nigeria.
Recently, a young woman shared her ordeal on social media, claiming that a pastor took her entire life savings as tithe and donations, leaving her completely broke. Cases like this show the urgent need for government intervention. There must be mechanisms to protect vulnerable citizens and provide support to victims of religious exploitation.
This issue must be addressed immediately to prevent the continued manipulation of gullible Nigerians and unsuspecting foreigners. Religion should uplift, not impoverish or destabilize society. Regulation is not persecution. It is protection.
Bola Babarinde, South Africa
