Nigerian online commentator Vincent Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has responded to Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s recent apology regarding tithing.
The influential pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) admitted in a video that his previous statement, where he claimed that those who do not pay tithes would not enter heaven, was wrong.
Adeboye expressed regret for his earlier remarks, sparking widespread reactions online.
The apology video, which gained traction across social media platforms, caught the attention of VeryDarkMan, known for his critical views on religious matters.
The commentator questioned not only Adeboye but also other ministers, such as Pastor David Ibiyeomie, who are well-known for their teachings on tithing.
He urged them to reconsider their stance on tithing and other aspects of religious doctrine that may have been misrepresented.
In his response, VeryDarkMan said, “I’m really happy about what Papa Adeboye just revealed, so I’m waiting for all those pastors, the likes of David Ibiyeomie that are always preaching about tithes. The number one man of all the religious church people in Nigeria has come out to apologize that he’s sorry for saying that if you don’t pay tithes you will not make heaven, that it’s not in the Bible. Which other things have they told us that is not in the Bible?”
He expressed concerns over the manipulation of biblical teachings, noting that Adeboye’s apology raises questions about other doctrines that may have been similarly distorted.
“How many things have they manipulated that are not in the Bible? I am glad Papa Adeboye came out now to say these things.”
The online critic went further to challenge pastors who have yet to address their views on tithing.
He believes these religious leaders have twisted God’s message to suit their personal agendas, contributing to what he describes as the religious clouding of judgment in Africa.
“Imagine the ones that will not come out and apologize? Imagine the ones that have manipulated the minds of people, that have converted and twisted the right words and the right message of the Bible to suit their own narrative? I am happy this came from the number one man. Religion has blinded us in Africa, and I will keep on talking about how messed up religion has put us in. Eyes will be opened. Tomorrow I am waiting for the one that will tell us to forget all these prayers; prayers alone won’t move Nigeria forward.”
VeryDarkMan also called on Adeboye to ensure that the tithes previously collected are used to benefit Nigerians.
He further suggested that Adeboye’s change of heart supports the longstanding position of Abel Damina, another critic of tithing practices.
“I hope all the tithes that were collected during that period are used for something that will benefit the people of the country,” he stated.
“Now my question is, which other Bible verse or message have they manipulated to suit their own narrative? This shows that many pastors twist the Bible to push their own agenda. I am happy that the man seen as number one in religion has come out to say these things, and I love him more for that.”
In closing, VeryDarkMan urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning that while Christianity exists, many prominent religious figures have exploited it for personal gain. “Christianity is there, but the scammers are more than the real people preaching. Most of these popular ones are big scammers,” he added