The founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has urged the Federal Government to focus on addressing the country’s security challenges rather than placing emphasis on preaching in commercial buses.
The clergyman made the call during a church service while reacting to reports of a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission Act that would sanction individuals found preaching in commercial vehicles.
Speaking to his congregation, Oyedepo questioned the rationale behind prioritising the issue of bus preaching, amid the rising insecurity plaguing several parts of the country. According to him, insecurity remains one of the nation’s most pressing concerns and deserves greater attention from the authorities than religious activities conducted in public transportation.
He maintained that government efforts should be directed towards protecting lives and property, arguing that restoring safety across the country should take precedence over policies targeting religious preaching in buses.
“There are people who cannot sleep in their homes because of insecurity, yet the concern is preaching in buses. That should not be the issue,” the bishop said.
Oyedepo also lamented the persistent attacks and killings reported in parts of the country, calling for decisive measures to curb violence and bring those responsible to justice. “Woe to all destructive agents in Nigeria. Whether in power or out of power, judgement has finally come. You can’t slaughter members of my family and want me to pray for you. I pray against you, against your household, against your generation, in the name of Jesus,” he declared.
“Everybody knows that these wicked people are being sponsored. Anyone who doesn’t know that, that’s a problem. Every sponsor of killers in Nigeria, you come under a curse today,” he continued.
The bishop said the continued loss of lives and displacement of communities underscore the need for stronger security measures, urging the government to intensify efforts to safeguard citizens and restore public confidence.
“You mean they kill people every day and the government is pretending not to know what to do? I have not heard any statement from government quarters against the killings. I’m yet to hear one, sir. Our human life is not of value anymore? And now you mustn’t preach in the bus, is that an issue?” he questioned.
“When you see God keep quiet at the wickedness of the wicked, it’s because the bubble is about to burst,” Oyedepo warned. “As the Lord lives… this bubble will burst. Go and hide anywhere. The bubble will burst.”
His remarks come amid public discussions over reports of a proposal seeking to review provisions of the FRSC Act, including sanctions against activities considered capable of distracting drivers of commercial vehicles. The reported proposal has sparked reactions from religious groups, legal practitioners and members of the public, with differing opinions on its potential implications. While some have argued that regulating activities capable of diverting drivers’ attention could enhance road safety, others have expressed concerns over the possible impact of such measures on constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, including freedom of religion and expression.
The clergyman’s comments have since generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians expressing support for his stance on prioritising security over religious regulations.
