Popular Lagos-based televangelist, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has sparked fresh controversy after urging his followers to disregard medical advice warning against excessive salt intake, claiming that many people have suffered strokes and other health complications due to avoiding salt altogether.
Addressing members of his church on Sunday, May 4, during a live sermon, the charismatic preacher challenged conventional medical guidance and insisted that salt is not harmful to the human body when used appropriately. He further alleged that mainstream health professionals have misled the public for years, contributing to unnecessary suffering and even death.
“Many people have died listening to so-called professionals,” Oyakhilome declared during the service. “Think about how many have suffered from strokes and other ailments just because they were told to cut off salt from their diet.”
To back his claims, he played video documentaries that featured white medical practitioners questioning the general belief that salt is dangerous to human health. He used these video clips to reinforce his message that people should not fear salt, but rather embrace it as a vital part of the human diet.
Pastor Chris, who leads the Christ Embassy church, said he once believed salt was harmful, but changed his view after receiving what he described as divine insight through speaking in tongues.
“When I pray in tongues, the spirit of God talks to me and guides me. I receive solutions in the spirit. That’s how I knew this teaching about avoiding salt completely is wrong,” he said, addressing thousands of worshippers both in person and online.
According to him, many patients in hospitals are unknowingly being administered salt through various treatments, including saline drips, despite being told to avoid salt in their meals.
“They take salt, repackage it, and sell it to you in different forms. And then they say you should not take salt. You need salt — more salt, not less,” he insisted.
Pastor Chris also referenced the Bible in his argument, quoting Mark 9:50 where Jesus is recorded as saying, “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
The pastor concluded by urging his congregation to help spread this message to others, claiming it is not only medically wrong to avoid salt entirely, but spiritually misleading.
Online Backlash and Medical Concerns
The preacher’s remarks have since gone viral, with many Nigerians reacting strongly on social media. While some of his loyal followers praised his message and declared they would return to eating more salt, health professionals and concerned citizens have condemned the sermon, warning that such claims could lead to widespread health complications.
Medical experts say that salt, while necessary in small quantities for normal body function, becomes dangerous when consumed in excess. Too much salt can raise blood pressure, leading to hypertension, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. For years, public health campaigns around the world — including in Nigeria — have encouraged people to reduce salt consumption as a preventive health measure.
A senior nutritionist in Lagos who preferred not to be named expressed concern that the pastor’s remarks could undo years of public health education.
“Salt is necessary for the body, yes, but only in small amounts,” she said. “To tell people to take more salt without moderation or medical advice is not just irresponsible, it’s dangerous.”
Another public health analyst pointed out that Nigeria already faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and heart disease, and statements like this from influential religious figures could worsen the situation.
“Many Nigerians respect and follow the words of their pastors. When a figure like Pastor Chris says something like this, it can create confusion and even cause people to ignore real medical advice from trained professionals,” the analyst noted.
The Power and Influence of Religious Leaders
In Nigeria, religious leaders wield considerable influence over public opinion. For many people, pastors, imams, and spiritual figures are seen as more trustworthy than government officials or health experts. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, in particular, has a vast following across Africa and abroad through his televangelism and the LoveWorld ministry.
This is not the first time he has courted controversy by challenging science and medicine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor Chris was one of the vocal critics of lockdowns and vaccinations. He claimed that the virus was being used to impose a global regime of control through fear. His statements were widely circulated on social media, with some of his videos being flagged or taken down for spreading misinformation.
Despite this, his influence has remained strong. Many of his followers believe his teachings come directly from divine revelation, a belief that further complicates public health messaging.
The Need for Balance and Responsibility
While the role of salt in human nutrition is well-documented, health authorities maintain that moderation is key. The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume less than five grams (about one teaspoon) of salt per day to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, many Nigerians consume far more than this due to high-salt diets that include processed foods, bouillon cubes, and fast food.
Health experts have also stressed that people with certain conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease need to be particularly cautious with salt.
Critics are now calling on the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Federal Ministry of Health to respond swiftly to prevent misinformation from spreading unchecked.
“There’s nothing wrong with faith,” a Lagos-based doctor said. “But mixing spirituality with public health advice without proper education is dangerous. This is how medical crises start.”
A Cautionary Moment for the Public
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear — Nigerians are being caught between science and spirituality. While many deeply respect their religious leaders, the importance of listening to qualified medical professionals cannot be overstated.
Pastor Chris’s statement may have been made with good intentions, but public health specialists warn that it risks creating confusion at a time when health literacy is critical.
