Nigeria — Apostle Michael Orokpo, founder of Encounter Jesus Ministry International, has strongly criticised social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over his recent online mockery of fellow cleric Apostle Arome Osayi.
In a video that has circulated widely, Orokpo condemned VDM’s comments, which included mimicking Osayi’s facial palsy while responding to a sermon in which the Remnant Christian Network founder spoke about Nigeria’s prophetic destiny being tied to revival and prayer.
VDM had questioned why Osayi was urging Nigerians to prioritise prayer and revival instead of industrialisation and innovation, and suggested that the cleric’s facial condition could be corrected in China, a country he said places less emphasis on prayer.
Reacting, Orokpo said VDM lacks the ethical standing to advise Nigerians on how to live their lives. “God positioned him with that influence so that he can become a voice to the helpless in society and God is growing him gradually. He now thinks he is so wise that he is discrediting kingdom wisdom,” Orokpo stated.
“The person who wants to tell Nigerians how to live does not have ethical value. You are making a mockery of someone’s physical issues.”
In further remarks, Orokpo urged VDM to “ask questions” and “stay in your lane” rather than dismiss spiritual matters. He acknowledged VDM’s growing platform and previous efforts to speak for the oppressed, describing him as a potential “Cyrus” — a reference to the biblical figure used by God despite not being a worshipper of Israel’s God. However, he insisted that influence must be exercised with ethical responsibility.
Orokpo defended the substance of Osayi’s message, clarifying that revival is “not just prayer” but “an awakening” that includes intimacy with God and the restoration of values such as honour, diligence, truth, love, mercy and integrity.
He argued that such values historically shaped societies like Britain and the United States and could equip Nigerians to contribute positively to governance, business and industry. “The product of the change is secondary. The awakening is the primary thing,” he said.
While affirming that people have the right to disagree with religious teachings, Orokpo condemned mocking another person’s physical condition. He recalled that society traditionally taught children not to ridicule those with physical challenges, describing such conduct as contrary to basic human values. He expressed concern that VDM’s approach risked undermining the positive influence he had built and urged Christians not to join in what he called another person’s wrongdoing, but instead to pray for understanding.
“Ask questions. Stay in your lane. Do the one God has asked you to do. Leave the other ones. There are high matters in this kingdom. Just stay in your lane,” Orokpo concluded.
The exchange is part of a wider online debate that followed Osayi’s comments on Nigeria’s spiritual calling. VDM has defended his criticisms, arguing that an overemphasis on prayer has contributed to national underdevelopment and questioning aspects of Osayi’s personal decisions. Other clerics have also weighed in, with some supporting Osayi and others calling for greater restraint in public discourse.
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