A Nigerian man living abroad, who publicly identifies as a former Christian, has launched a sharp critique against popular cleric Apostle Arome Osayi. The criticism stems from a controversial statement made by the apostle regarding the practice of speaking in tongues.
Controversial Statement Sparks Backlash
The online dispute began after a video clip circulated where Apostle Arome Osayi declared that the life of anyone up to the age of 21 who has never spoken in tongues for six consecutive hours is "a joke." This remark, shared widely on social media platform X, quickly drew reactions from various quarters.
One of the most pointed responses came from a user with the handle @DrOaikhena. Identifying himself as an ex-Christian who is now irreligious, he directly challenged the cleric's assertion. In a tweet quoting the video, he labeled Apostle Arome a "conman" and used his personal life story as a counter-argument.
Personal Journey from Faith to Irreligion
@DrOaikhena revealed that he was a devout Christian from his early teens until his late twenties. Despite his long commitment to the faith, he stated he never engaged in the practice of speaking in tongues. Contrary to the apostle's claim, he insisted his life during that period was far from being a joke.
He went a step further, asserting that his personal and professional achievements actually accelerated after he left Christianity. To substantiate his point, he directed the public to his pinned post on X, which he says documents his accomplishments.
His tweet read in part: "Dear Conman @ApostleArome, I was a Christian from my early teens to late 20s. I didn't speak in tongues and my life wasn't a joke. Check my pinned post to see my achievements which escalated after I left the Christian delusion."
Detailing Academic and Professional Success
The achievements listed in his pinned tweet, which he presents as evidence of a successful life without the specific Pentecostal practice, are primarily academic and related to international mobility. He highlighted an unblemished record in visa applications.
His key achievements include:
- Securing a student visa in 2017 to travel from Nigeria to Germany for a Master's degree in Synthesis and Catalysis, proceeding to a PhD in Organic/Inorganic Chemistry.
- Obtaining a two-year B1/B2 visiting visa in 2022 to travel from Germany to the USA for a fully funded university conference.
- Receiving a J1 Postdoc Visa in 2023 for a fully funded research stay in the USA, which included an interview waiver.
He expressed concern for the apostle's followers, describing them as "victims" who are "too brainwashed to think for themselves."
Mixed Reactions from the Online Community
The former Christian's post ignited a debate on X, with users expressing divergent views. Some commenters supported his stance, using it to critique religious institutions broadly.
User @RBiakpara commented on the need to look at developed nations to assess such religious claims, while @airoaje stated that "religious people are dangerous to the society."
Others offered a faith-based perspective, suggesting that secular achievement is not the ultimate measure of a meaningful life. User @GeneralAdedokun responded, "Achievement doesn't mean anything to a Christian. Even pornstars achieve too, fraudsters, you get it."
Another user, @tudobams, questioned the critic's spiritual knowledge despite his academic credentials, asking, "Okay you’re a highly successful Chemist with a PhD... BUT do you have knowledge of 'deep mysteries'???"
This incident adds to a growing online discourse in Nigeria where individuals publicly renounce or critically examine their former religious affiliations, often sharing testimonies of personal growth outside the framework of organized religion.
