Pastor Feyi Daniels
By Our Reporter
‘Our pastor, Feyi Daniels was framed up for criticising the government of thr day’ that was the submission of some members of the iReign Christian Ministry, Lagos, on Friday.
The members expressed shock as the church’s founder and senior pastor, Bishop Oluwafeyiropo (Feyi) Daniels, was sentenced to life imprisonment by an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court for raping a church member.
The members of the church, which is located at 1a Gbolade Adebanjo Crescent, Opebi, Ikeja, said the judgement will be overturned because he was unfairly treated on account of his political affiliation.
A woman, who claimed to be a leader in the evangelism and welfare unit of the church, and gave her name as Mrs Peace, said, “I know my pastor. He will overcome.
“He has been a staunch attacker of this government and they are victimising him. Our God is not asleep. In this month of our fasting, we will not stop praying for him even while in captivity.”
Peace posted on X after the judgment, “All because he gave a prophecy that did not go down well in the eyes of the Tinubu APC govt (sic). Make una continue.”
Another X user, Ikokwu Chidozie Ikemba, through his handle, @IkeokwuChidozie, wrote, “There is a war against the church and it’s coming from the inside.”
Another member of the church, who gave her name only as Mrs Omopariola, said, “Pastor cannot do that kind of thing. I have worshipped in that church for five years. Where is the evidence?
“Was there a hidden camera? This year is our year of abundance and this month is our month of answered prayers. I know this is not the end. God will intervene.”
An X user, @Nosafk, wrote, “The day your prophecy doesn’t favour them, they will come and arrest you for one thing or the other. Every opportunity is good to silence those who will call them out to be accountable.”
Another X user, @CheezyCharles, said, “Life imprisonment ke? What’s the proof? Abeg, he should go and appeal this nonsense!”
However, several other Nigerians lauded the judgment, saying that it would serve as a deterrent to religious leaders who use their positions to oppress and sexually exploit their members.
A social commentator on X, Oke Matarazi, through his handle, @OMatarazi, wrote, “The reported case of a Lagos pastor, Feyi Daniels, receiving a life imprisonment sentence for raping a church member is a deeply troubling and unfortunate incident. Such acts of misconduct, especially within a place of worship where trust and moral guidance are expected, are reprehensible.
“Religious institutions in Nigeria need to prioritise the safety and well-being of their members, fostering an environment of trust, support, and accountability.
“The Lagos legal system’s response to such cases sends a strong message about the consequences of such heinous actions and I hope they learn.”
One of our correspondents, who on Friday joined a Facebook prayer group belonging to the embattled cleric, Bishop Feyi Daniels Prayer Group, observed that the members were offering prayers for him.
Members, numbering over 40 were saying, “May God vindicate him”, “Our pastor is innocent”, “This is wickedness”, and “The body of Christ is under attack.”
A member, Doyin Okediran, told our correspondent on Facebook,“
A member, Doyin Okediran, told our correspondent on Facebook, “Our pastor is innocent. He did not do these things. I am sure God is in heaven watching and he will not allow his servant to suffer.”
Another member, Ifeyinwa Mgbe, said, “I know this man of God. I worshipped under his unction. If I travel, I still join him online. I am still in shock.”
Credit: The Punch
