Apostle Johnson Suleman, the outspoken General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, has once again found himself in the eye of a storm following a provocative statement that’s ignited widespread backlash online.
In a video clip that spread like wildfire on social media platforms on Friday, April 4, 2025, the Edo-born preacher made a startling claim about how far his followers are willing to go to defend him—and the consequences awaiting anyone who dares to speak ill of him near his church premises in Auchi, Edo State.
In the viral video, Suleman didn’t hold back as he issued a grim warning to potential critics. In his words:
“If you’ve been praying to die and death hasn’t come, I have a solution. Come to Auchi, stand by the front gate of our church, and insult me. One person will kill you, another will bury you, and a third will lead praise and worship over your body.”
It’s the kind of remark that instantly sparks both outrage and concern, especially in a country like Nigeria, where religious leaders wield immense influence—and where pastor-worship culture continues to blur the line between reverence and radicalism.
Suleman went further, sharing a disturbing personal account. He recalled an incident where self-identified cultists confronted someone who had spoken against him. According to him, they brought the individual to him after administering a beating, demanding an apology on his behalf.
“They said, ‘This guy insulted you. We beat him up and told him to say sorry.’ I asked, ‘Who are you guys?’ They replied, ‘You won’t like who we are, but you helped us.’ That’s kindness,” he said with a tone that many found unsettling.
This isn’t the first time the fiery preacher has grabbed headlines for controversial statements. Over the years, Apostle Suleman has built a reputation for weighing in on national issues—from government missteps to celebrity scandals—often with dramatic flair.
At the Recovery Conference 2025, a two-day event held earlier this year in Bauchi State, he didn’t shy away from addressing Nigeria’s economic woes either. He pointed fingers at the political decisions made during the 2023 general elections, blaming them for the biting hardship now facing everyday Nigerians.
Suleman’s rhetoric has frequently divided opinion. To some, he's a fearless truth-teller unafraid to challenge the establishment. To others, his words fan the flames of extremism, especially when they seem to endorse or overlook violent behavior from supporters.
Nigeria, a nation with over 100 million Christians, has long struggled with the influence of charismatic pastors who double as political commentators, healers, and community leaders. With such influence, many argue that statements like these carry weight—and potential danger.
While some dismiss Suleman’s statements as mere hyperbole or spiritual bravado, others raise alarms about what this signals for public discourse and freedom of expression within religious spaces. In a society where dissent is increasingly risky and loyalty often misunderstood, remarks like these deepen existing tensions.
As public reaction continues to pour in, one thing remains clear: religious leaders must be mindful of the power they hold—and the ripple effects of their words.
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