The social commentator says his criticism is aimed at questioning the influence of religious institutions on public life and Nigeria’s response to national problems.
By Wapcodehub9ja LIVE News: National Affairs & Social Commentary Desk
Social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has responded to questions about his repeated criticism of the Christian church, saying he wants Nigerians to examine the influence of religious institutions on the country’s social and political life.
VeryDarkMan addressed the issue in a video shared on his social media platforms amid an ongoing public debate over his criticism of Nigerian clerics and their messages on national development.
The latest comments followed his recent confrontation with Apostle Arome Osayi over a sermon in which the cleric described Nigeria’s national calling as one centred on spiritual revival and prayer rather than following the technological path of countries such as China.
VeryDarkMan argued that Nigerians should not rely on prayer alone when dealing with challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, healthcare and economic hardship. He questioned whether religious institutions sometimes encourage citizens to seek spiritual solutions to problems that also require practical action from government and society.
The social commentator also argued that Nigeria has people with the intellectual ability to develop technology and create businesses, but that greater emphasis should be placed on innovation, creativity and practical problem-solving.
His comments have generated debate because his criticism extends beyond individual clerics to broader questions about the role of churches and mosques in Nigerian society. Supporters of his position have described his approach as an attempt to demand greater accountability, while critics have questioned the manner and tone of some of his attacks.
The dispute involving Arome Osayi became particularly prominent after the pastor argued that Nigeria should not measure its national purpose only by technological and economic achievements. VeryDarkMan challenged that position, arguing that spiritual development should not be presented as a substitute for scientific, industrial and economic advancement.
The controversy has also drawn responses from other religious figures. Catholic priest Fada Oluoma, for example, criticised VeryDarkMan’s imitation of Arome Osayi and argued that legitimate criticism should be distinguished from caricature.
VeryDarkMan’s broader argument, however, remains focused on what he considers the need for Nigerians to question institutions that wield significant influence over public attitudes. He has maintained that his criticism should be understood within his wider commentary on governance, social responsibility and national development.
The debate reflects a continuing tension in Nigeria over the relationship between faith, public leadership and development. While religious organisations play a major role in Nigerian society, questions remain about how religious messages should interact with demands for effective governance, technological advancement and practical solutions to social problems.
For now, VeryDarkMan’s latest remarks have added another chapter to his increasingly public confrontation with sections of Nigeria’s religious establishment. The debate is likely to continue as both supporters and critics examine where legitimate criticism ends and personal attacks begin.
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