Actor IK Ogbonna has raised concerns about the growing number of pastors in Nigeria who are staging fake miracles to deceive and exploit individuals.
In an Instagram post, he expressed his disappointment, labeling these actions as a serious betrayal of Christian values.
He cautioned that the dishonest practices of certain church leaders could tarnish the churchâs reputation and take advantage of trusting believers, manipulating their faith for personal gain. Ogbonna highlighted the negative consequences of these actions, which include lost trust, damaged lives, and the exploitation of peopleâs beliefs.
He urged those involved in such deceitful practices to reconsider their actions, emphasizing that using Godâs name for falsehood is a grave betrayal of the gospel. He stated, âTo those pastors, itâs time to reflectâusing Godâs name for falsehood is a betrayal of the gospel. To the victims, remember your faith is sacred, and true miracles donât come from deception.â
Ogbonna also warned Christians to safeguard their faith and not be swayed by social media trends that ridicule or disrespect their beliefs. He added, âLetâs also be cautious not to get carried away by social media trends that disrespect and ridicule our faith. Christianity should never be used as a tool for likes, views, or viral content.â
He called on religious leaders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the government to take decisive action on this issue. Ogbonna advocated for stricter regulations and accountability to ensure that those masquerading as pastors are held responsible for their actions. He concluded, âI call on the government and religious bodies like the Christian Association of Nigeria to step up, regulate, and hold these bad actors accountable. Christianity is about truth, love, and humilityânot fraud, manipulation, or mockery.â
His comments come in the wake of a social media trend featuring the phrase âI am a Chosen,â following influencer VeryDarkManâs critique of the credibility of testimonies from members of The Lordâs Chosen Church.