By Dele Adeyanju
Pastor David Ibiyeomie’s recent outburst threatening to arrest anyone who criticizes or misquotes him has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Beyond its tone of arrogance, it marks a troubling shift: a growing authoritarian streak among some religious leaders who were once expected to embody humility and restraint.
When spiritual leaders begin to mirror the behavior of strongmen using state power to stifle dissent they betray not just their calling, but the very essence of the faith they profess. Christianity, like democracy, is built on the principle of free will. Threatening people with jail time for expressing an opinion is not just overreach; it’s a fundamental attack on freedom of expression.
Pastor Ibiyeomie’s remarks are more than offensive they represent a dangerous precedent. It is hypocritical to preach peace from the pulpit, yet respond to criticism with threats of police action. Leadership rooted in truth, tolerance, and compassion should welcome scrutiny, not fear it. When pastors forsake these values, they trade moral authority for brute power, cloaked in religious garb.
To understand the importance of freedom in public discourse, consider the recent verbal sparring between Donald Trump and Elon Musk in the United States. Regardless of the content, neither faced arrest. That is what democracy looks like messy, noisy, but protected by the law. Imagine such an exchange in Nigeria; chances are, one party would be silenced or harassed by security forces.
Nations must be built on enduring principles, not the whims of charismatic individuals whether from the pulpit or the presidency. When people are elevated above institutions, they weaken accountability and invite tyranny. True progress only occurs when leaders are bound by law and guided by principle not driven by ego or a desire to crush criticism.
The message is clear: no one, no matter how revered, should be above the law. And no democracy can thrive where free speech is criminalized in the name of reputation or reverence. If we want a just society, we must defend our right to question even our pastors.
