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The Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has criticised the proposed ₦50,000 penalty for preaching in commercial buses.
Oyedepo says the Federal Government should prioritise tackling insecurity instead of regulating religious activities.
Oyedepo made the remarks during a sermon at Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, amid growing public debate over the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The proposed amendment has attracted widespread reactions over a provision prescribing a fine for preaching in commercial vehicles.
However, the Senate has maintained that the provision has existed since the FRSC Establishment Act was enacted in 2007 and is intended to promote road safety rather than restrict religious freedom.
Reacting to the controversy, Oyedepo argued that insecurity and the persistent killings across the country deserve greater government attention than regulating evangelism on public transport.
The cleric lamented the continued loss of lives, insisting that those sponsoring violent attacks would ultimately face divine judgement.
“Woe to all destructive agents in Nigeria. Whether in power or out of power, judgement has finally come,” he declared.
Oyedepo said he could not pray for individuals responsible for bloodshed, stressing that justice should prevail over impunity.
“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 alleged that those behind the killings were receiving support from powerful interests, describing the situation as an open secret.
“Everybody knows that these wicked people are being sponsored. Anyone who doesn’t know that, that’s a problem.”
The bishop also pronounced a curse on those he accused of financing violent attacks across the country.
“Every sponsor of killers in Nigeria, you come under a curse today.”
Questioning the government’s response, Oyedepo said Nigerians continued to witness daily killings without decisive action from authorities.
“You mean they kill people every day and government is pretending not to know what to do?” he asked.
He added that he was yet to hear a strong official condemnation of the recurring attacks, arguing that the apparent silence had diminished the value placed on human life.
Addressing the proposed restriction on bus preaching, the cleric questioned why such an issue had become a legislative priority despite the country’s security challenges.
“And now you mustn’t preach in the bus, is that an issue?” he asked.
Oyedepo said he had remained silent for a long time but believed the nation had reached a point where justice could no longer be delayed.
The bishop’s comments come as religious organisations and civil society groups continue to debate the proposed FRSC amendment, with many calling for greater emphasis on addressing insecurity while ensuring public safety on Nigerian roads.
