Nollywood actress-turned-evangelist Tonto Dikeh has attracted attention amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Apostle Arome Osayi after she liked a post by fellow cleric Femi Lazarus calling for restraint in the criticism of the preacher.
Her social media action has added another layer to the debate, which has generated intense reactions from Nigerians following comments made by Arome Osayi about Nigeria’s spiritual identity and national purpose.
Tonto Dikeh backs Femi Lazarus’ message
Femi Lazarus recently weighed in on the controversy after Arome’s sermon sparked criticism from several public figures and social media users.
In his message, Lazarus appealed to Christians to handle disagreements respectfully and avoid turning differences of opinion into personal attacks.
“We will not always agree. Preachers will not always be right. Context matters, and we must learn to extend grace always. Apostle Arome is ours. A gift to the body. That attack on him and mockery is unacceptable. We can disagree while maintaining ethical boundaries. Unfortunately, this is what we get when we in the body ourselves tear each other down. Apostle Arome is a gift; we can disagree honourably,” Lazarus wrote.
Tonto Dikeh subsequently liked the post, drawing attention from social media users who interpreted the gesture as support for Lazarus’ appeal for respectful disagreement.
What sparked the controversy?
The debate began after Apostle Arome Osayi delivered a sermon in which he spoke about what he described as Nigeria’s unique spiritual assignment.
The cleric argued that Nigeria’s purpose should not be viewed solely through the country’s economic or technological performance when compared with nations such as China.
He also spoke about spiritual opposition and encouraged ministers to prepare themselves for what he described as greater responsibilities.
“Our calling as a nation is revival. God wants to generate something from here that He will export to the nations of the world. This is His covenant with this nation. We are a key player, we are a stakeholder in end time matters. We are not seeing beyond the Naira, we are not seeing beyond Aso Rock. He is using the ground to mature you so that He can send you to the place where you will manifest the strength of your scepter. We will not retreat! We will not surrender,” he said.
Debate continues online
Arome’s remarks have since generated differing reactions, with some Nigerians defending his message while others have criticised his interpretation of Nigeria’s national challenges.
Lazarus’ intervention shifted attention towards the manner in which the disagreement was being handled, as he called for criticism to remain within what he described as ethical boundaries.
Tonto Dikeh’s decision to like the post has now further drawn attention to the growing conversation surrounding Arome’s sermon and the responses it has generated.
See her reaction below:
