Pastor Femi Lazarus warns VeryDarkMan against mocking Apostle Arome Osayi
On September 30, 2026, Pastor Femi Lazarus, founder of Light Nation Church, warned controversial social media personality VeryDarkMan to stop mocking Apostle Arome Osayi, founder of the Remnant Christian Network. The warning came after VeryDarkMan posted an Instagram video in which he mimicked Arome's facial palsy while criticizing a recent sermon in which Arome claimed Nigeria's national purpose is to become a source of global spiritual revival and missionary manpower, not rooted in manufacturing or technological advancement.
Pastor Lazarus said mocking Arome is unacceptable, insisting that while disagreements are inevitable, they must be expressed honorably and with grace. He emphasized that Apostle Arome is a gift to the Christian community and that attacking him reflects a broader tendency for believers to tear each other down instead of engaging in respectful discourse.
The incident highlights the growing friction between religious leaders and online commentators in Nigeria, where personal attributes such as health conditions sometimes become targets of ridicule. It raises questions about the limits of free speech and the responsibility to avoid demeaning others, especially when discussing theological or national issues.
How can you express disagreement with public figures or religious leaders without resorting to mockery or personal attacks, and what role does extending grace play in maintaining constructive dialogue?