Hunt Killers, Not Preachers — Oyedepo Slams FG Over Bus Evangelism Bill

• Bishop David Oyedepo condemns the proposed ₦50,000 penalty for preaching in commercial buses, describing it as a misplaced priority amid Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

• The Living Faith Church founder accuses the government of failing to confront persistent killings while moving to enforce regulations that could restrict public evangelism.

• The cleric declares divine judgement against sponsors of violence, insisting that Nigerians deserve protection from killers rather than sanctions against preachers.

• The Senate maintains that the provision is not a new law, explaining that it has existed since the FRSC Establishment Act of 2007 and is intended solely to enhance road safety.

The Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has launched a scathing criticism of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, faulting the proposed enforcement of a ₦50,000 fine for preaching in commercial buses and accusing the Federal Government of concentrating on religious activities instead of tackling the country’s worsening security crisis.

The controversy surrounding the FRSC Act (Amendment) Bill intensified after reports emerged that offenders could face a ₦50,000 fine for preaching or engaging in activities considered capable of distracting drivers of commercial vehicles. The proposal has sparked widespread reactions from religious leaders, civil society groups and members of the public, with critics arguing that the government should prioritise addressing Nigeria’s persistent insecurity and rising violence rather than enforcing measures perceived to target public religious expression.

Speaking on Sunday during a sermon at Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo questioned the government’s priorities, reigniting nationwide debate over the controversial provision in the amendment bill.

In a video that went viral on Monday, the cleric argued that while Nigerians continue to lose their lives to banditry, terrorism, kidnappings and other violent crimes, authorities appear more concerned about regulating evangelism in commercial vehicles.

Expressing deep concern over the recurring killings across the country, Oyedepo said government should be directing its energy toward identifying and prosecuting those behind the bloodshed rather than enforcing penalties against citizens preaching the Gospel.

“Woe to all destructive agents in Nigeria. Whether in power or out of power, judgment has finally come. You can’t slaughter members of my family and want me to pray for you. I pray against you, against your household, against your generation, in the name of Jesus”, he declared.

The bishop maintained that those financing violent attacks across the country would ultimately face divine justice.

“Everybody knows that these wicked people are being sponsored. Anyone who doesn’t know that, that’s a problem. Every sponsor of killers in Nigeria, you come under a curse today”, he said.

Oyedepo lamented what he described as the apparent inability—or unwillingness—of government to decisively address the country’s security challenges.

“You mean they kill people every day, and the government is pretending not to know what to do? I have not heard any statement from government quarters against the killings. I’m yet to hear one, sir. Our human life is not of value anymore? And now you mustn’t preach in the bus—is that an issue?” he asked.

The renowned preacher said the value placed on human life in Nigeria had deteriorated to an alarming level, arguing that protecting citizens should rank above enforcing regulations that many Nigerians perceive as restricting religious expression.

Declares Divine Judgement Is Inevitable

Oyedepo said he had remained silent on many national issues for a long time but believed the nation had reached a point where divine intervention would become inevitable.

“When you see God keep quiet at the wickedness of the wicked, it’s because the bubble is about to burst. As the Lord lives… this bubble will burst. Go and hide anywhere. The bubble will burst”, he said.

Senate Defends Amendment

Amid mounting public criticism, the Senate has clarified that the provision attracting widespread attention is not a new law.

According to the upper legislative chamber, the restriction on preaching and other activities capable of distracting drivers has existed since the enactment of the FRSC Establishment Act, 2007. Lawmakers explained that the current amendment bill merely seeks to update the legislation and should not be interpreted as an attempt to suppress religious freedom or criminalise evangelism.

The Senate further maintained that the provision is designed to improve road safety by reducing distractions capable of endangering commuters and other road users.