In a dramatic display of his characteristic confidence, Prophet Chukwuemeka Odumeje, widely known as the ‘Indaboski,’ has unleashed a stern warning to Nigerians, instructing them not to take pictures or videos of him without permission, especially in public spaces. The controversial preacher, whose unconventional style has sparked both admiration and criticism, made this declaration through a video message that rapidly went viral on social media.
Odumeje, often described as a prophet with a flair for theatrics, asserted that he is not a celebrity and should not be treated as such. Instead, he emphasized that he is a prophet with a divine calling, one whose spiritual authority should not be undermined by unsolicited recordings. The statement came as a response to what he described as a growing trend of people using their phones to capture his every move without his consent.
“I don’t do social media things. I’ve told you people before, nobody should video me. If you see me on the road, stop bringing your phone to take pictures of me. If you get home, I will scatter that phone spiritually. I’m that bad. I’m a prophet; I’m not a celebrity. Forever and ever, I remain the same,” Odumeje boldly declared in the video.
His words, infused with a mix of humor and menace, sent shockwaves through the online community, sparking a heated debate about privacy, fame, and respect for public figures. While some fans cheered the bold stance, others were left questioning the gravity of his warning, especially the claim of “spiritually destroying” devices.
The Power of ‘Indaboski’
Odumeje’s warning comes as part of his broader, often unpredictable persona. Known for his extravagant healing sessions, prophetic utterances, and controversial public appearances, the pastor has made a name for himself as one of the most polarizing figures in Nigerian Christianity. His followers, who refer to themselves as “Indaboski” (meaning “the lion of the tribe of Judah”), hold him in high regard, often attesting to the transformative power of his prayers and prophecies.
However, Odumeje’s fame has also brought its fair share of critics. His flamboyant style, which includes dramatic displays of energy, loud proclamations, and a confrontational approach, has made him a target for those who view him as a showman rather than a true spiritual leader. This has only fueled his narrative of being misunderstood and misrepresented by the media and the public.
“I don’t care about what they say. I am not here to be a celebrity,” Odumeje proclaimed in the video. “I am a man of God. I’m a prophet of the Most High, and I am not here to be at your beck and call. I am not here to entertain you or satisfy your curiosity. I am here to deliver the word of God, and that’s what matters.”
The Growing Trend of Recording Public Figures
The issue of unsolicited recording is not unique to Odumeje. With the proliferation of smartphones and social media platforms, public figures—especially those in the religious and entertainment sectors—have increasingly found themselves the subjects of unsolicited videos and pictures. In recent years, many celebrities, politicians, and religious leaders have had to grapple with the ethical implications of being captured without consent.
For Odumeje, this growing trend has become an issue of personal and spiritual boundaries. According to him, the act of recording without permission goes beyond a mere invasion of privacy. He views it as a spiritual affront to his divine purpose and the sacred nature of his ministry.
“It’s not just about privacy,” he explained in the video. “It’s about respect for the anointing of God. When people come into my space, they must do so with reverence. You cannot just come and start filming me as if I am a circus animal. That’s not who I am.”
A Response to Critics or a Show of Power?
Odumeje’s warning raises a pertinent question about the nature of authority and respect in contemporary Nigerian Christianity. His staunch rejection of celebrity culture appears to be a direct response to the increasing commercialization of religious ministries, where pastors often find themselves in the public eye more than their congregants might desire.
To some, Odumeje’s stance is a necessary pushback against the commodification of the faith and the exploitation of social media to elevate the status of pastors. By rejecting the trappings of fame, he appears to be reaffirming his commitment to his spiritual mission and distance from the fame game.
However, to others, this warning may seem like an attempt to assert dominance over both his followers and detractors. The phrase “I will scatter that phone spiritually” is, to some, a statement of power, reinforcing the notion that Odumeje is not just a prophet but an individual who operates beyond the normal boundaries of earthly authority.
“I’ve never seen a man of God talk like this,” said Nkechi, a Lagos-based social media user. “It’s one thing to stand your ground, but threatening to destroy someone’s phone is extreme. What happened to turning the other cheek?”
Others, however, argue that Odumeje’s message is a reminder of the sacred nature of the prophetic ministry and the need to maintain reverence for God’s anointed. “People forget that these men of God are not here for entertainment,” said Daniel, a follower of Odumeje’s ministry. “He’s right to remind them of who he is. You don’t walk into someone’s space and start filming them. It’s disrespectful.”
The Risks of Spiritual Retribution
As the video spread like wildfire across social media platforms, some Nigerians began to question the feasibility and morality of Odumeje’s claim to “scatter” people’s phones. Can a man of God truly possess the spiritual power to destroy technology, or is this merely a metaphorical expression of his authority?
Legal experts have raised concerns over the potential consequences of such a threat, pointing out that such statements could potentially lead to legal action if anyone were to feel their property had been damaged due to his claims. In addition, they warned that public figures should be cautious when making such bold statements, as it may lead to misunderstandings or legal complications.
“It’s one thing to warn people about respecting your space, but when you start making claims about destroying property, you cross a line,” said Tunde Adedeji, a Lagos-based legal practitioner. “If someone’s phone were to malfunction after this warning, it could lead to serious legal implications.”
