This year, we witnessed a lot of drama from the religious sector. We look at just seven of them.
Religion is a very sensitive subject in general, but Nigerians take it to a whole new level.
Hence, one person says something he/she believes and another takes offence, and viola a controversy is born.
Thankfully, Pulse Religion is always there to take note of those moments. These are the seven most controversial moments of the year, in no particular order.
1. Tithing Saga
For years, Christians have faithfully believed their pastors when they were told that it is compulsory to tithe.
Things changed once Cool FM OAP, Daddy Freeze stepped onto the scene. He started to criticise this particular thing, amongst others, last year, but his ministry got way bigger this year.
Now, we have popular pastors responding to his criticisms, celebrities and other personalities joining the chaos. This is still ongoing.
ALSO READ: 5 alternative things you can do with your tithe
2. Church Planting Drama
In October 2017, Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye’s vision to plant Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) churches within five minutes walking distance caused a stir.
It was criticised by some religious leaders including Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, and the Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Reverend (Dr) Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo.
Both urged the RCCG G.O to shift his focus to having better Christians instead of more churches. Lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana also weighed in on the controversy.
Pastor Adeboye got caught up in another controversy when he offered marriage advice concerning couples that meet through social media.
He got into trouble for saying that couples who meet through social media will also lose them online. The backlash forced him to plead with his members to stop putting up videos of him.
3. Apostle Suleman’s sex scandal
There was a huge controversy when news of Apostle Johnson Suleman’s sex scandal with Canada based singer, Stephanie Otobo broke.
Most people could not believe what was happening as the alleged lover continued to share evidence of their affair. The case eventually went to court as people cursed Otobo and defended the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide.
The scandal eventually died down with the pastor maintaining his innocence and Otobo refusing to back down. This happened mid-year.
ALSO READ: Even Imams can't help themselves
4. T.B Joshua’s departure
Prophet T. B Joshua shocked everyone when he announced his plans to leave the country for Israel!
He made his announcement during a church service. Immediately, Nigerians started to plead, begging him to change his mind.
The Minister Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, issued his plea while speaking with journalists during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) in Ikeja.
He said: “That will be very unfortunate in the sense that if he does move out, it will affect our tourism in Nigeria. Pastor Joshua is an important person, he must bear with us. This is his country. If he moves out and goes to South Africa (for example), the revenue will go to South Africa. It is better that Pastor Joshua sits down with the relevant authority and resolve whatever problem he has. If I have access to him this is exactly what I am going to tell him.”
There was a debate on social media as many urged him to stay.
5. Yoruba Demon Banner
In October, Harvesters International Christian Centre, Lagos faced major backlash for one of its banners.
The banner read, “How to Identify A Yoruba Demon.”
It was for a relationship program titled, ‘Becoming One.’
Many were annoyed because they saw it a tribal slur that is only promoting a negative stereotype about the Yoruba tribe. It caused quite the stir online.
6. Top Islamic Preacher lectures in Celestial Church
Muslims and Christians alike were stunned when a top Islamic Preacher, Buhari Musa was seen giving a lecture at a white garment Church.
In June, the Kwara State-born cleric was spotted at a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), ijeshatedo, Lagos, during the church’s anniversary. He got into trouble with social media users.
7. FRC law
2017 started with some religious drama when the government tried to implement a Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) regulation.
The law stated that Founders/Leaders of Not for Profit Organisations including churches must resign after spending “more than 20 years (in office) or is age 70 years and above.”
This led to an outcry from Nigerians, and Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye ‘stepping down’ as the national overseer for the Redeemed Church of God (RCCG).
Eventually, the FRCN boss, Mr Jim Obazee, was sacked and the law was suspended.
That's all the religious drama we have had this year.