Social media critic, Martins Ortse, known widely by his moniker VeryDarkMan, made a pointed critique of religion in Nigeria and Africa on Friday, declaring that it has “blinded and finished” the people.
His remarks came as a response to an apology issued by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God regarding a controversial statement about tithing.
Pastor Adeboye, a highly respected figure in Nigeria’s religious landscape, had previously preached that Christians who failed to pay their tithe would not make it to heaven.
However, during a recent address to his congregation, the cleric publicly apologized, admitting that the claim was a “mistake.”
He clarified that the Holy Bible does not support such a stance, explaining that, according to scripture, peaceful and holy living are the true prerequisites for entering heaven.
Reacting to this via his Instagram platform, VeryDarkMan expressed relief over Adeboye’s retraction but raised broader concerns about the influence of religious teachings in Nigeria.
He specifically called out other prominent pastors who have been strong advocates of tithing, including David Ibieyomie, head of the Salvation Ministries.
“I’m happy about what Papa Adeboye revealed,” he wrote. “So, I’m waiting for all those pastors like David Ibieyomie that preach about giving tithe.”
VeryDarkMan went on to underline the significance of Adeboye’s admission, stating, “The number one man of all the religious people in Nigeria has come out to apologize that he’s sorry for saying if you don’t pay tithe you won’t make heaven; that it’s not in the Bible.”
In his post, he questioned how many other doctrines preached by religious leaders in the region might be similarly unfounded, urging followers to approach such teachings with critical thinking.
“Which other things have they told us [that are] not in the Bible? That’s what I’m concerned about,” he continued. “How many things have they manipulated that [are] not in the Bible? I’m glad that Papa Adeboye came out to say these things. So imagine the ones that would come out to apologize, and have manipulated the people, they have twisted the right words of the Bible to suit their own narratives.”
Taking a critical stance on the broader role of religion in society, VeryDarkMan concluded his message by suggesting that it has contributed significantly to holding Africa back.
“Religion has blinded and finished us in Africa, and I will keep talking about how messed up religion has made us,” he declared. Encouraging people to study scripture for themselves, he added, “Carry your Bible.”
He ended his post with a challenge to those who hold firm to the idea that religious practices alone will solve Nigeria’s problems.
“I’m waiting for those who will come tomorrow and say prayers won’t move Nigeria forward. I hope God will touch Papa, and the tithe collected will be used to touch the people of the country by creating jobs for millions.”
VeryDarkMan’s comments add to a growing chorus of voices calling for more transparency and accountability from religious leaders, especially in a country where faith plays such a significant role in public life.
