“Before you scream, “Pastor Korede Komaiya again?” remember that the man is adamantine. Despite the backlash that followed his declaration that he would not follow a poor pastor, he has remained steadfast in expressing his understanding of Kingdom principles to anyone who will listen.
The sermon that inspired this essay demonstrates that the criticism and bashing he has received as a result of his controversial comments has not deterred him from his mission to reform society.
However, dissenters appear to have lost interest in Komaiya’s claims. He recently issued a warning, which did not receive the attention it deserved..
This occurred while he declared:
“Do you know the baptism we’ve been through? Do you know the graces we’ve connected to? Do you know the fasting, the prayers, the givings, the sacrifices? You can’t just come and dagger the anointed. The anointing will ooze forth and hit you… In a generation, someone will just go online and be talking trash. What angels can’t say about men that will judge angels…?”
The video of Pastor Komaiya making this statement, shared on a popular Instagram channel, received relatively modest views and engagement, despite containing observations that validate the description of some Nigerians as “collective children of anger,” a phrase used by Dr Reuben Abati in 2012 while responding to trolls who attempted to make his role as President Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesperson difficult.
Returning to the quote above, Komaiya was not responding directly to critics over his controversial remarks. Rather, he was speaking in defence of a fatherly minister of the Gospel, addressing online disparagers for their unconscionable heckling of those who should be revered, and highlighting what such behaviour portends. It would not be surprising if irreverent critics quarrel with my use of the words “revered” or “adored” for mere mortals — arguing that such qualifiers belong only to the Almighty.
Yet these are elders whom 1 Timothy 5:17 instructs believers to count worthy of double honour. It is precisely because they are meant to be revered that they are designated “Reverend.” Even that is merely a lower rung, stricto sensu, considering the Anglican Communion’s higher title, “Venerable,” defined as one accorded great respect because of age, wisdom, or character. Roman Catholics go further by completing the title with “Father,” reflecting the high esteem in which priests are held, as people approach them for confession and absolution. Are these truly the kinds of personalities one would want to drag online?
Many orthodox denominations address their bishops as “My Lord” or “Your Lordship,” while archbishops are addressed as “Your Grace.” I recall writing official speeches for formal engagements in an Anglican diocese years ago; part of the protocol template included the line, “My Lord Spiritual and Temporal.” If conservative Christians venerate their priests to this extent, how much more Pentecostals? Pastors are often perceived by outsiders as “gods of men” rather than “men of God,” given the honour bestowed upon them by their congregations. Cynics argue that such relationships are fueled by charisma, hero worship, cult-like devotion, brainwashing, or gaslighting.
Arguably, Nigerian evangelicals popularised the trend of calling pastors “Daddy.” This breed of Christians rarely disrespects fellow ministers because they understand the perceived value of the anointing. The uncouth behaviour, therefore, is often attributed to outsiders or the unconverted. Their growing disrespect toward men of God has even caught the attention of Dr Mensa Otabil, the celebrated Ghanaian theologian and founder of the International Central Gospel Church in Accra. According to Pastor Komaiya:
“Dr Mensa Otabil told me recently, ‘Pastor KK, will you people not rise up and do something about how bloggers and people abuse fathers in Nigeria?’ He said, ‘In my lifetime, I never knew it could get this worse. People we honour, people we revere… In Nigeria you abuse your best.’”
This suggests that global observers are taking note of Nigerians’ online indiscretions. Little wonder some global statesmen appear indifferent when civilian authorities misgovern Nigerians; they may well be thinking, “Serves you right for insulting your best.” The Ghanaian philanthropist’s observation echoes remarks by Pastor Paul Enenche, who, while delivering a sermon at The Glory Dome of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, lamented what he described as a generation lacking honour for spiritual fathers.
With such testimonies, belligerent bloggers within the Nigerian blogosphere may need to recalibrate. They should consider turning a new leaf — if only because, as Dr Paul Enenche succinctly put it, “You cannot attract what you attack.” Even if one regards pastors as flawed individuals, respect for the office they occupy remains important. Many may not fully understand the perceived spiritual labour and sacrifices these leaders claim to undertake for the nation. Pastor Komaiya therefore called for “a generation that knows how to honour” so that generational anointing will not disappear.
For their conduct to attract attention beyond Nigeria’s borders, scurrilous digital natives might reflect deeply and refrain from chasing clout on spiritual matters they may not fully understand. Even among God’s chosen people, their leader possessed privileged information and divine strategies that were not questioned, as captured in Psalm 103:7: “He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.”
Social media personalities must desist from dragging those who have paid — and continue to pay — their spiritual dues. Let the One who called them address their perceived shortcomings. Indeed, 1 Chronicles 16:22 remains instructive for the wise”.
VIS Ugochukwu is a sage, storyteller, and PR strategist who engages readers via X (formerly Twitter) @sylvesugwuanyi.