Clergyman Bishop Ibro Zion has criticised social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) over recent remarks directed at Apostle Arome Osayi, accusing him of being disrespectful and insensitive.
In a lengthy response, Bishop Ibro said VDM had gone beyond legitimate criticism by allegedly mocking Apostle Arome’s facial appearance and questioning comments the preacher made about Nigeria’s role in global Christian revival.
According to him, Apostle Arome has openly spoken about challenges he faced from childhood which affected his facial appearance, and he argued that comments suggesting the preacher should seek medical correction were unnecessary.
He also defended Apostle Arome’s background, saying the cleric had risen to an executive level in Nigeria’s petrochemical industry before leaving to pursue full-time ministry.
Bishop Ibro further argued that Apostle Arome’s comments about Nigeria being significant to end-time revival should be understood within a Christian ministry context rather than as a claim about every Nigerian.
He referenced the international ministries of Nigerian preachers including Pastor Jerry Eze, Apostle Joshua Selman, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, Apostle Johnson Suleman and Dr Paul Enenche, saying their large gatherings outside Nigeria demonstrate the global reach of Nigerian Christian ministries.
While acknowledging some of VDM’s previous advocacy efforts, Bishop Ibro maintained that his remarks concerning Apostle Arome were unacceptable.
“VDM, you have taken this your charade too far,” he wrote, adding that criticism should not cross into personal attacks or mockery.
Bishop Ibro’s comments have added another layer to the ongoing online debate surrounding VDM’s remarks and Apostle Arome Osayi’s statements on Nigeria and Christian revival.