Popular Nigerian comedian and pastor Woli Arole has issued a strong warning to Nigerians, urging them not to remain silent when false narratives and negative stories are spread about them, either online or in real life.
In a powerful Instagram post, the popular content creator and faith leader emphasised the destructive power of unchecked words and impressions on a person’s reputation, career, and relationships.
“Please, I want to say this, don’t allow people to have a wrong impression about you online and offline. Stand tall to defend yourself, either amongst your friends or at your workplace. Narrative is very powerful. Don’t let people speak ill of you to your face. Words are powerful.”
He revealed that he is very intentional about protecting his own image and ministry, refusing to laugh off or ignore damaging claims.
“This is why I am very VOCAL about myself! I speak well of myself! You can’t come and ruin what I am building! You can’t speak ill of me or lie against me! I don’t tolerate the wrong narrative about ME.”
Using a personal example, Arole explained how he responds when labelled a false prophet:
“Some people will say, ‘I think Arole is a false prophet’; I don’t laugh such a statement away. I reply boldly, ‘I am not a False Prophet; God is using me for mighty signs and wonders’. I don’t allow negative words around me or the ministry the Lord has placed in my hands!”
His message comes at a time when social media makes it easier for rumours, half-truths, and deliberate falsehoods to spread rapidly, often damaging people’s reputations before they have a chance to respond. Woli Arole stressed that silence in the face of wrong narratives can allow others to define one’s story negatively.