Apostle Arome Osayi has found himself at the center of a heated online debate after a sermon he delivered on September 27, 2026, went viral. In his message, the cleric asserted that Nigeria's primary purpose is spiritual rather than economic, a statement that has drawn significant backlash from various quarters on social media.

In his sermon, Osayi encouraged his audience to focus on spiritual revival and missionary work, arguing that the nation should aspire to be a source of global spiritual influence rather than concentrating on technological or industrial advancements. He suggested that many Nigerians are too preoccupied with survival to recognize their higher calling in ministry.

The sermon quickly attracted criticism from social media figures, notably activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and commentator Solomon Buchi. VDM took to social media to express his discontent, arguing that a religion focused on miracles has hindered Nigeria's potential for innovation and development. He emphasized that Nigerians possess the same intellectual capabilities as those in more developed nations but often struggle to harness these abilities effectively.

Solomon Buchi echoed similar sentiments, questioning the moral impact of Christianity in Nigeria. He pointed out the paradox of a nation with numerous churches grappling with issues like corruption and dishonesty. Buchi lamented the decline of integrity among Christians, asking whether the religious devotion prevalent in the country is genuinely fostering the moral and personal transformation that faith should inspire.

As the criticism mounted, Apostle Arome Osayi swiftly responded by disabling comments on his social media platforms, effectively silencing public discourse on the contentious topic. This move drew attention, with many observing the timing as a direct reaction to the backlash his sermon had incited.

The controversy surrounding Osayi's sermon reflects broader societal tensions regarding the role of religion in Nigeria's development and the expectations placed on religious leaders to address pressing national issues. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this incident will influence public perception of the cleric and the church's role in Nigerian society.