SControversial Nigerian clergyman Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has issued a stern warning to his followers regarding unauthorized filming of his public appearances. The self-styled ‘The Lion’ made these remarks during a recent church service, expressing his growing frustration with being treated as a social media sensation rather than a religious figure.
The incident, which has since garnered significant attention across social platforms, saw the Onitsha-based prophet addressing his congregation with his characteristic intensity. Speaking with palpable irritation, Odumeje drew a clear line between celebrity status and his prophetic calling, emphasizing that he views himself primarily as a spiritual leader rather than an entertainment figure.
“Stop videoing me when you see me on the road. I am not a celebrity; I am a prophet. I am more dangerous,” the clergyman declared, his voice resonating through the church auditorium. In what many have interpreted as a metaphysical threat, he added that he would “scatter that phone spiritually,” suggesting divine consequences for those who disregard his warning.
This latest controversy adds to the growing discourse about privacy boundaries in the age of social media, particularly for religious leaders who often find themselves at the intersection of spiritual leadership and public interest. Odumeje, known for his unconventional preaching style and theatrical deliveries, has frequently been the subject of viral videos and memes, something that appears to have reached a breaking point for the prophet.
The reaction from his followers and social media users has been mixed, with some expressing support for his stance while others view it with amusement or defiance. One particularly bold follower, using the handle IFYBOBOSKY, openly challenged the prophet’s warning, declaring “when I saw u I must video u,” highlighting the complex dynamic between religious figures and their tech-savvy followers.
The situation has even prompted humorous responses from business owners in the mobile phone sector. A phone vendor operating under the name OLIVERFIRSTSON.PHONES posted a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer, stating that warranty coverage would be void for any phones used to record the prophet, adding a layer of levity to the unfolding drama.
@indaboski123 #foryou #viral #foryoupage #pageforyou #foryoupage #foryou #viral #foryoupage #pageforyou #foryoupage #viral #foryou #foryoupage #.#goviral #fyp ♬ original sound – abido shaker
Other social media users have focused on different aspects of the controversy, with some questioning the source of the background music often featured in his viral videos, while others simply expressed their appreciation for the entertainment value his content provides. One user, Milchi777, pleaded, “I beg no scatter my phone ooo, because na ur videos dey give me joy ooo,” reflecting the paradoxical nature of his appeal as both a religious figure and an inadvertent source of social media entertainment.
This incident raises important questions about the boundaries between public and private life for religious leaders in the digital age. While social media has become an essential tool for religious outreach and community building, it has also created challenges for spiritual leaders who wish to maintain a degree of privacy and dignity in their personal lives.
The prophet’s reaction also highlights the growing tension between traditional religious authority and modern social media culture, where the line between sacred and secular content often becomes blurred. As religious leaders increasingly find themselves subject to the same level of public scrutiny and documentation as celebrities, many are struggling to navigate this new landscape while maintaining their spiritual authority and personal boundaries.
Whether Odumeje’s warning will effectively deter his followers from recording him remains to be seen, but the incident has certainly sparked a broader conversation about respect, privacy, and the role of social media in religious spaces. As digital technology continues to reshape how we interact with religious figures and institutions, similar conflicts between spiritual leadership and social media culture are likely to become increasingly common.
