Lagos-based Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) cleric, Pastor Bamidele David Ojo, has opened up on the series of alleged intimidation, threats and attacks which he says forced him and his family to leave Nigeria.
Ojo, who has been outside the country for some years, made the disclosure during an interview with De.reportorial, where he spoke extensively on the state of the nation, religious freedom, insecurity and his personal experiences.
The cleric said the prevailing situation in Nigeria does not currently give him enough confidence to return home soon.
According to him, his ordeal began to take a serious turn in 2017 following the controversy surrounding the removal of Venerable Femi Taiwo, then Presiding Chaplain of the Chapel of Christ the Light in Alausa, Lagos.
Ojo said he and some other Christian leaders publicly questioned what they considered unfair treatment of Taiwo under the administration of former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
He alleged that following their position, he and other religious figures experienced exclusion from some government-affiliated church activities and Christian community programmes.
The pastor said his advocacy activities subsequently attracted intimidation.
He said after writing an advocacy letter to the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), security personnel visited his residence and church premises while he was abroad in 2017.
Ojo in his words said he interpreted the development as an attempt to intimidate or silence him because of his advocacy.
He alleged that the pressure continued even after his return to Nigeria, citing anonymous threats, reduced church attendance and what he described as increased scrutiny by government officials.
According to him, his church was also temporarily shut down over regulatory issues, despite his claim that the church had obtained the necessary permits.
Recounting another incident, Ojo said he was in Kaduna State in December 2023 to participate in a Christian crusade organised by Pastor Emmanuel Oluwagbamila.
He alleged that threats were issued in connection with efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and peace-building initiatives.
According to him, unknown individuals later confronted members of the group and warned them against continuing their activities. He said the individuals eventually left without carrying out an attack.
According to him the cleric said the situation took a more disturbing turn in August 2024 when his wife informed him that a church he had established in Lagos had allegedly been set ablaze.
Ojo alleged that armed individuals also threatened members of his family and church, forcing them to go into hiding and subsequently leave their residence.
Faced with what he described as growing security concerns, Ojo said arrangements were quickly made for the safety of his family. His wife and children eventually joined him in Canada in September 2024.
The pastor said the experience had left him deeply concerned about the protection of religious leaders, worshippers and ordinary Nigerians who speak out against issues they consider unjust.
Ojo has called on the Nigerian government to strengthen measures against religious intolerance and insecurity while ensuring greater protection for fundamental human rights.
He said a democratic society must allow citizens to express their views, challenge practices they consider inhumane and participate freely in public discourse without fear of persecution.
“A society where people cannot express their rights, counter what is inhuman, and in return face persecution and possibly incarceration, such society still has a long way to go,” he said.
