The General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has stirred widespread controversy following a viral video in which he appeared to issue a veiled threat against anyone who dares to criticize him near his church in Auchi, Edo State.
In the video, Apostle Suleman boldly stated that individuals who speak negatively about him in the vicinity of his church risk fatal consequences, insinuating that his loyal followers might take matters into their own hands.
“If you are tired of living and have been praying for death but it hasn’t come, there is a simple solution,” he said in the video.
“Just come to Auchi, stand by the gate of our church, and say something against me. One person will kill you, another will bury you, and a third will hold a praise and worship session over your corpse.”
The statement, perceived by many as inflammatory and unbefitting of a religious leader, has drawn heavy criticism across social media platforms and among public commentators. Critics argue that such rhetoric encourages violence and fosters a dangerous form of religious fanaticism among his followers.
Apostle Suleman Recounts Past Incident Involving Cultists
In the same video, Suleman recounted a past encounter involving suspected cult members who, according to him, took action against someone who had allegedly insulted him. He claimed the group assaulted the individual and brought him to Suleman, demanding an apology on his behalf.
“Some cult boys once brought a young man to me and said, ‘This boy was insulting you, so we beat him and told him to apologise.’
I asked them who they were, and they said, ‘You won’t like to know who we are, but you’ve helped us before.’
That’s kindness,” he narrated, implying that the loyalty of these individuals stemmed from past assistance he had rendered to them.
Public Backlash and Concerns
The preacher’s remarks have fueled an intense online backlash, with many Nigerians questioning the moral implications of his statements and the appropriateness of such language coming from a prominent religious figure.
Observers expressed concern that the threats, whether serious or symbolic, could incite violence and embolden overzealous followers to act unlawfully in defense of their spiritual leader. Human rights advocates and civil society voices have also called for accountability and restraint from public figures, especially those with significant influence over large congregations.
Critics argue that religious leaders should preach peace, tolerance, and forgiveness not hostility or glorification of violence regardless of the criticisms they may face.
