Popular Nigerian cleric Apostle Femi Lazarus has stepped into the ongoing online storm to defend Apostle Arome Osayi following fierce public backlash over his recent sermon on Nigeria’s divine calling.
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced showing Apostle Arome comparing Nigeria’s development to economic giants like China, framing the nation’s struggles around spiritual purpose and global revival rather than institutional failure alone. The message sparked intense debate across social media, drawing sharp criticism from public commentators and online figures who challenged his stance on national progress.
Breaking his silence on the matter, Femi Lazarus called for calm and restraint, cautioning believers against resorting to insults, mockery, and personal attacks when addressing disagreements within the church. Emphasizing that context is critical, Lazarus acknowledged that preachers will not always be right, but insisted that ideological differences should never serve as a license to tear down fellow leaders.
“Apostle Arome is ours. A gift to the body,” Lazarus stated in a viral social media post. “That attack on him and mockery is unacceptable. We can disagree while maintaining ethical boundaries. Unfortunately, this is what we get when we in the body ourselves tear each other down. We can disagree honourably.”
The intervention has drawn widespread reaction from public figures and churchgoers alike, sparking a broader national conversation on how religious discourse and public criticism should be handled in digital spaces.
Do you agree with Apostle Femi Lazarus that disagreement with religious leaders should strictly remain respectful and within ethical boundaries? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
