Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode, popularly known as Toyo Baby, has stirred intense controversy after boldly defending Nigerian pastors against growing criticism over their perceived silence on the country’s worsening insecurity and national challenges.
The actress took to Instagram to address the wave of attacks on clergymen, acknowledging she might face heavy backlash for her stance but insisting on a balanced perspective.
“I know I might get dragged for saying this… Yes, I believe pastors should speak up more. So should Imams, Sheikhs, and everyone with a voice and influence. But we should not automatically assume that those who are not speaking publicly on social media are doing nothing or are unconcerned about what is happening in the country. Not all meaningful action is visible online.”
However, Olayode drew a firm line, stating clearly:
“Pastors are not activists, though they certainly can speak on political and societal issues when they feel led to do so.”
She reminded critics that not all meaningful action is visible online. “Not all meaningful action is visible online,” she stressed, adding that pastors carry spiritual responsibilities that go beyond public statements.
According to the actress, pastors are human but operate under divine authority.
“Throughout the scriptures, God’s servants didn’t always respond to national crises with public statements. Sometimes their assignment was to pray, intercede, offer counsel, and personally engage those in authority as God directed.”
While acknowledging that many genuine pastors exist who serve with integrity, she also admitted the existence of false ones who have caused pain through abuse of power.
“We have seen and heard painful stories of what some have done in the name of God. But, while false pastors exist, so do genuine ones, men and womén who serve faithfully, walk in integrity and carry their spiritual responsibility with sincerity.”
Her comments come at a time when many Nigerians, including some celebrities like Spyro, have dragged pastors for failing to use their massive platforms to speak against kidnapping, banditry, and other security failures plaguing the nation.