LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nollywood actress Julianna Olayode has weighed in on the growing criticism of Nigerian pastors and their silent response to the country’s security challenges.
The actress addressed the issue in a series of posts on her Instagram page, following a wave of online videos criticizing clergymen for allegedly remaining silent about rising insecurity across Nigeria.
While Olayode agreed that religious leaders should use their influence when necessary, she also argued that they have responsibilities beyond making public statements during times of national insecurity.
She stressed that pastors should not automatically be viewed as activists.
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According to her, their role includes spiritual duties that many people often overlook.
“I know I might get dragged for saying this and not to deviate from the issue at hand, but I don’t know if it’s just my TikTok and Instagram algorithm, I’ve been seeing a lot of videos of people calling out pastors. There’s something I think we should also take into consideration,” she said.
The actress explained that pastors operate under what she described as divine authority and are accountable to God for how they carry out their assignments.
Olayode noted that biblical figures did not always respond to national crises through public declarations.
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Instead, she stated that their responsibilities often involved prayer, intercession, offering guidance, and engaging leaders privately whenever they felt led to do so.
Olayode also acknowledged the public distrust that exists toward some religious leaders due to past controversies involving individuals who misused their positions.
“I understand that some people have no regard for pastors. We have seen and heard painful stories of what some have done in the name of God. But, while false pastors exist, so do genuine ones, men and women who serve faithfully, walk in integrity and carry their spiritual responsibility with sincerity,” Olayode added.
Her comments come amid increasing calls on social media for prominent religious figures to publicly address Nigeria’s security concerns.
Several videos circulating online have specifically mentioned respected clerics, including Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Jerry Eze, and others while urging faith leaders to speak more openly on national issues.
