Popular Nigerian gospel artiste Salau Aliu Olayiwola, widely known as Testimony Jaga, has publicly criticised former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo following his recent comments on the concept of “prosperity gospel.”

The debate began after Osinbajo questioned the theology often described as prosperity gospel, sparking conversations across religious and public spheres in Nigeria. His remarks drew mixed reactions, with some supporting his stance while others viewed it as a critique of certain church teachings.

In a viral video circulating online, Jaga firmly rejected the classification of Christian teachings into different categories. He insisted that Christianity is built on a single, unified message centered on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. According to him, attempts to divide the gospel into labels such as “prosperity gospel” are misleading and unnecessary.

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Jaga went further to challenge Osinbajo’s authority to criticise the Christian community, pointing to his tenure in public office. He questioned whether the former vice president had demonstrated enough impact, both as a political leader and as a pastor, to warrant such criticism.

The singer argued that those who seek to correct the Church must first show clear evidence of positive influence and transformation. He called on Osinbajo to present tangible achievements from his time in government, particularly in addressing poverty and improving the lives of Nigerians.

The gospel artiste also linked the conversation to Nigeria’s broader socio-economic realities, stressing that poverty remains a critical issue affecting millions. He maintained that religious teachings should reflect these realities by offering hope, encouragement, and practical guidance to people facing hardship.

According to Jaga, the essence of Christianity lies in its message of hope and transformation rather than condemnation. He emphasized that sermons should uplift believers and provide reassurance, especially in challenging times.

While defending the core message of the Christian faith, Jaga acknowledged that there are abuses within religious institutions, including the presence of individuals who exploit believers. However, he warned against using such instances to discredit the gospel itself, insisting that the message remains fundamentally positive.

He concluded by urging Osinbajo to lead by example, encouraging him to demonstrate the values he promotes through actions that support the less privileged. The singer stressed the importance of aligning words with deeds, particularly for leaders who hold both religious and political influence.

The exchange highlights an ongoing debate within Nigeria’s Christian community about doctrine, leadership, and the role of faith in addressing societal challenges. As reactions continue to unfold, the discussion underscores the intersection of religion, politics, and public accountability in the country.