‘The So-Called Men of God in Nigeria Have No Power’ - VDM Blasts Religious Leaders Over Arome’s Relocation

 

Social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticised prominent Nigerian religious leaders while questioning Pastor Arome Osayi’s decision to obtain permanent residence in the United States.

VDM’s comments followed a video showing Pastor Arome and his wife announcing that they had obtained permanent residence in the United States.

The development prompted VDM to revisit an earlier teaching by Pastor Arome about the different “callings” of nations. Arome had said that nations have different callings and described Nigeria’s calling as revival.

VDM questioned the message in relation to Arome’s decision to relocate his family to the United States, arguing that the country has encouraged its youths to think beyond conventional boundaries and pursue technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“You moved your family to a country that is not built with prayers, that the youths were encouraged to think outside the box,” VDM said.

He referenced American entrepreneurs including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk while arguing that Nigerian youths should also be encouraged to pursue creativity, technology and practical development.

VDM then broadened his criticism to prominent Nigerian religious leaders, questioning the effectiveness of years of prayers against what they describe as the devil.

“These people do not have powers. This so-called man of God in Nigeria have no power,” he said.

He mentioned Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and the late TB Joshua while questioning how long religious leaders had been praying against the devil.

“All of them put together, they have been playing against one devil for the longest,” VDM said.

He also questioned the idea that religious leaders should be beyond criticism simply because they are regarded as men of God.

“If I talk about them, dem go say I’m cursed. Don’t talk about the man of God,” he said.

VDM further argued that he also considers himself called to a particular purpose and questioned why his views should be dismissed because he challenges religious leaders.

“Do you think they have power over me? Me wey God called too, my calling is 100 percent. It is to open the eyes of these youths in person. That is why I exist,” VDM said.

VDM also spoke about his plans involving China, saying he intends to take people there and return to Nigeria to put what they learn into action.

“I have a plan. I have a dream. One day Nigeria will be great,” he said.

The comments have added to the debate surrounding Pastor Arome’s views on Nigeria’s spiritual calling, particularly the relationship between prayer, faith, innovation and national development.

While Pastor Arome’s earlier remarks focused on his view of Nigeria’s spiritual role, VDM has used the preacher’s relocation to the United States to question how such teachings should be understood alongside the technological and economic development of other countries.

VDM’s statements about the effectiveness or otherwise of religious leaders are his personal views and were not independently established by the comments themselves.