Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has responded to widespread criticism of Nigerian pastors for their silence amid escalating insecurity in the country. In a series of Instagram posts on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Olayode defended clergymen, stating that while she believes pastors, imams, sheikhs, and other influential figures should speak up, pastors are not activists.
Olayode's Perspective on Pastors' Silence
According to the actress, pastors operate under divine authority and bear a spiritual responsibility before God. She noted that throughout scripture, God's servants did not always respond to national crises with public statements. Their primary assignment, she argued, is to pray, intercede, offer counsel, and personally engage those in authority as God directs.
Olayode acknowledged that some people have no regard for pastors due to painful stories of misconduct, but she emphasized that genuine pastors exist who serve faithfully and walk in integrity. She stated, "I know I might get dragged for saying this, but I've been seeing many videos calling out pastors. There's something we should also consider."
Reactions from Netizens
Olayode's posts drew mixed reactions. User adora____._ commented, "Juliana, this is not the time to defend anyone. They are influential; let them speak." Another user, ray_oyedepo, questioned why pastors were vocal during former President Goodluck Jonathan's tenure but are now silent, asking, "Are they not humans first?" User _oyebi argued that pastors are influential enough to call out the government, noting that many prayed for those in power. Iyanuoluwa_nimi pointed out that Muslims are not similarly calling out their leaders.
Context of the Criticism
The criticism against pastors, including RCCG General Overseer Pastor E.A. Adeboye, comes amid a wave of insecurity in Nigeria. In related news, singer Davido faced backlash after lamenting insecurity, leading him to clarify his relationship with Seyi Tinubu and deny connections to the City Boy Movement.
Olayode previously addressed rumors about her relationship with Funke Akindele, stating in a BBC Pidgin interview that she deeply respects and loves the filmmaker, dismissing claims of bad blood.
