Femi Lazarus Backs Arome Osayi Amid Backlash Over Nigeria Sermon

Nigerian pastor Femi Lazarus has defended fellow preacher Apostle Arome Osayi following criticism of comments the latter made about Nigeria’s spiritual purpose.

The controversy followed a sermon in which Osayi compared Nigeria’s progress to that of countries such as China, arguing that nations have different callings. He said he believed Nigeria’s calling was connected to revival and that the country could produce something spiritually significant for other nations.

His remarks sparked debate online, with some Nigerians challenging his position and questioning the comparison between Nigeria’s development and that of other countries.

Reacting to the backlash, Lazarus urged Christians to approach disagreements with grace and restraint. He acknowledged that preachers can make mistakes and said people would not always agree, but maintained that disagreements should remain within ethical boundaries.

Lazarus described Osayi as a gift to the Christian community and criticised the mockery and attacks directed at him.

He added that Christians should be able to disagree honourably rather than tear one another down, warning that such internal criticism can weaken the wider Christian community.