Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Salau Aliu Olayiwola, also known as Testimony Jaga, has criticised former Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, over his recent comments on the concept of “prosperity gospel.”
Osinbajo had stirred debate in religious and public circles after faulting what he described as the prosperity gospel, a development that has since drawn mixed reactions.
Reacting in a video that has gone viral online, the gospel artiste dismissed the idea of categorising the message of Christianity into different forms, insisting that the gospel remains one and indivisible.
“I saw a video where you were condemning the prosperity gospel. With due respect, there is no such thing as a prosperity gospel. There is only one gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Jaga also challenged Osinbajo’s authority to criticise the Church, pointing to his time in public office and asking for evidence of impact.
“If anyone wants to correct the body of Christ, it should not be someone like you. Show Nigerians what you did while you were vice president,” he stated.
The singer’s remarks introduce a political dimension to the debate, as he called on the former vice president to account for his stewardship while in government.
The artiste further highlighted Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, stressing that poverty remains a pressing issue that must not be ignored in religious teachings.
“Do you understand what poverty does to people? As a politician, what have you done to address it?” he asked.
According to him, messages preached in churches should address real-life struggles and provide hope to adherents.
Jaga emphasised that the central message of Christianity is one of hope, transformation, and encouragement, rather than condemnation.
“The gospel is good news. If people are struggling, they should hear a message of upliftment, not condemnation,” he said.
The singer also questioned Osinbajo’s influence as a pastor during his time in office, urging him to demonstrate tangible results both in ministry and governance.
“Show us the people whose lives you transformed. Show evidence of support for the poor or meaningful development, even in your own community,” he added.
While defending the broader message of the Christian faith, Jaga admitted that abuses exist within religious institutions but warned against using such cases to discredit the gospel.
“There are fake pastors, yes, but the gospel itself remains a message of hope and transformation,” he noted.
He concluded by urging Osinbajo to embody the values he advocates, particularly in supporting the less privileged.
“If you truly believe in what you are saying, then lead by example. Give back, support the poor, and demonstrate the values you preach,” Jaga said.