Popular social media commentator Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has accused a prominent Nigerian pastor of inciting church members to launch online attacks against him following his criticisms of prosperity-themed preaching.
The confrontation follows VDM’s public condemnation of Pastor David Ibiyeomie’s message, which he described as “manipulative and unscriptural,” especially after the pastor allegedly stated that “Jesus hated the poor” during a viral sermon in April.
VDM made his latest remarks in a viral Instagram video on Friday while reacting to another cleric, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry (CMDM), who had urged Christians to defend their pastors against social media attacks.
“Christians, wake up. Because nowadays, these small children attack men of God on the phone,” Mr Fufeyin said in a video posted to Instagram. “If you love the father that was preaching for you, carry your phone today… Christians, wake up. You can go to the comment section and begin, fight the fight.”
Referencing VDM’s earlier criticism of Pastor Ibiyeomie, Mr Fufeyin added, “Papa Ibiyeomie is a senior man who has spoken the Word of God… If you are a Pastor David Ibiyeomie church member and love him, rise and begin to carry your phone and fight this fight.”
This is not the first clash between VDM and Mr Fufeyin. Their conflict dates back to mid-2024 when VDM publicly questioned the legitimacy of CMDM’s “miracle” soap and water products, particularly the claims surrounding NAFDAC approval. That episode prompted Mr Fufeyin to file a ₦1 billion defamation suit and obtain a restraining order against VDM to prevent further public commentary.
In his latest video, VDM said Mr Fufeyin’s statement was effectively a declaration of war against him.
“So, as you can see, a war has been declared against me,” VDM said. “Because everything he’s saying there is indirectly talking about me. A war has been declared against me, where Prophet Jeremiah is instructing Christians to go and fight in the comment section.”
He questioned why the pastor would encourage Christians to defend clerics online, while remaining silent on matters of national concern.
“Since they are killing people because of insecurity, you never incited the Christians to say, go to the comment section of the government. But when your business is about to spoil, you remember Christians have a battle to fight,” he said.
Quoting various Bible passages, VDM challenged the theological basis of the pastors’ teachings and urged Christians to reflect on Scripture.
“Romans 12:19 says, ‘Beloved, never avenge yourself, but leave it to the wrath of God. For it is written, vengeance is mine and I will repay, says the Lord,’” he said.
He also referenced 2 Timothy 4:3-4, which warns of a time when people will reject sound doctrine in favour of teachers who tell them what they want to hear, as well as Matthew 7:15, which cautions against “false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep, but are vicious wolves.”
VDM accused both pastors of prioritising personal gain over spiritual truth. “Romans 16:18 says, ‘Such people are not serving Christ, our Lord, they are serving their interests. By smooth talk and glowing words, they deceive innocent people’,” he added.
The social media critic concluded by warning those who might attack him online. “I will leave vengeance to God if you will not leave it to God. If anyone comes into my comment sections to insult me, we leave the fight to God.”
Pastor Ibiyeomie, whose teachings triggered the current controversy, had recently threatened to take legal action against those criticising his sermons.
