The General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has openly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the worsening insecurity and economic hardship facing Nigerians, saying the Federal Government must act decisively to stop the bloodshed and suffering across the country.
Speaking during a sermon, the prominent cleric expressed deep concern over the persistent attacks, killings and rising insecurity in several parts of Nigeria. He said the continued loss of lives had become unbearable and questioned what he described as the government’s inadequate response to the crisis.
Addressing worshippers from the pulpit, Oyedepo condemned those responsible for the attacks and warned that divine judgement would eventually come upon perpetrators of violence and those who support them.
According to him, the scale and persistence of the insecurity suggest that powerful individuals may be involved in sustaining the violence. He said it was becoming increasingly difficult to believe that such widespread attacks could continue without sponsorship from influential interests.
“It is clear that there are forces behind these killings, and the bubble is about to burst,” he declared.
The bishop said he had remained silent for a long time while hoping that the situation would improve, but recent developments compelled him to speak publicly.
“Gunmen kill people every day, and government appears to be pretending not to know what to do,” he said. “I have kept quiet, but when you see God keep quiet in the face of wickedness, it may be because the bubble is about to burst.”
Oyedepo lamented what he described as the growing devaluation of human life in Nigeria, insisting that citizens deserved protection and justice regardless of their social status, religion or ethnicity.
“I have not heard strong enough condemnation from government quarters against these killings,” he said. “Are human lives no longer valuable in this country?”
The cleric also criticised restrictions on public preaching in certain locations, arguing that such matters should not be treated as priorities while insecurity and economic hardship continue to affect millions of Nigerians.
“And now people are being told not to preach in buses. Is that the major issue before the nation?” he asked. “Do you think Nigerians are unaware of what is happening around them?”
Oyedepo further said that silence should not be mistaken for weakness, adding that many Nigerians have exercised restraint while waiting for positive action from authorities.
“We have kept quiet while waiting on God, and God has assured us that the bubble will burst,” he said. “When it bursts, no matter where anyone is hiding, the consequences will follow.”
In one of the strongest parts of his message, the bishop said leaders must not expect prayers and support from citizens while they fail to protect lives and property.
“The President needs to act now and stop pretending,” he declared. “You cannot slaughter members of my family and expect me to pray for you. I will pray against those responsible and against every force that sponsors evil.”
He also offered prayers against what he called destructive agents in Nigeria, saying his prayers were directed against all forces undermining peace and stability, whether such persons occupy public office or not.
“We pray against every destructive force in this nation, whether in power or out of power,” he said.
Oyedepo’s comments come at a time of growing public concern over insecurity in several states, including attacks by armed groups, kidnappings, communal violence and killings in rural communities. The remarks also reflect increasing anxiety over rising food prices, inflation, unemployment and the cost of living under the current administration.
Nigeria has experienced significant economic pressure in recent years, with many households struggling to cope with higher transportation costs, increased prices of essential commodities and declining purchasing power. Religious leaders, labour unions, civil society groups and opposition figures have repeatedly urged the government to adopt stronger measures to address the situation.
The Winners Chapel founder is one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian leaders, and his public interventions on national issues often attract significant public attention. His latest remarks have generated widespread reactions among worshippers, political observers and social commentators, with supporters describing his comments as a reflection of the frustrations of ordinary Nigerians.
Critics, however, argue that religious leaders should exercise caution in political commentary, while others maintain that moral leaders have a responsibility to speak out when citizens are suffering.
Oyedepo insisted that his comments were motivated by concern for the nation rather than partisan politics. He said the primary duty of government is the protection of life and property and urged leaders to place the welfare of citizens above political considerations.
The cleric concluded his message with prayers for Nigeria, asking God to intervene in the nation’s affairs and restore peace, justice, security and prosperity.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any official response to Bishop Oyedepo’s remarks.
