Bishop Wale Oke, head of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, has firmly rejected potential legislative limits on preaching within commercial vehicles. During a recent Sunday service, he stated that such mandates violate both biblical directives and constitutional rights. Oke emphasized that his followers would prioritize their religious duty to spread the gospel over human regulations, framing the move as an attempt to restrict peaceful activity.
The cleric further criticized the National Assembly for focusing on religious restrictions rather than urgent national issues like kidnapping, banditry, and violent crime. He characterized the proposed bill as a misguided priority that ignores those causing actual harm in society.
This controversy stems from amendments to the Federal Road Safety Commission Establishment Act, which includes fines for preaching or trading in public transport. While the Senate has clarified that these prohibitions have technically existed since 2007 under current traffic regulations, the move has ignited widespread pushback. Other notable figures, including Paul Enenche and David Oyedepo, have also defended the necessity of public evangelism, urging Christians to remain steadfast in their mission despite the legislative pressure.
