Popular Nigerian gospel singer Salau Aliu Olayiwola, known professionally as Testimony Jaga, has publicly rebuked former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for remarks made about the “prosperity gospel.”
In a video that has circulated online, Jaga said the term “prosperity gospel” is misleading and that there is only one gospel – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “I saw a video where you were condemning the prosperity gospel. With due respect, there is no such thing as a prosperity gospel. There is only one gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Jaga also questioned Osinbajo’s moral authority to criticize the church, urging the former vice‑president to demonstrate his record while in office. “If anyone wants to correct the body of Christ, it should not be someone like you. Show Nigerians what you did while you were vice president,” the singer added.
Addressing Nigeria’s socio‑economic challenges, Jaga asked Osinbajo to reflect on the impact of poverty. “Do you understand what poverty does to people? As a politician, what have you done to address it?” he queried, suggesting that religious messages should offer upliftment rather than condemnation. “The gospel is good news. If people are struggling, they should hear a message of upliftment, not condemnation,” he said.
The artist also called on Osinbajo, who has served as a pastor, to provide evidence of concrete assistance to the poor and tangible development in his community. “Show us the people whose lives you transformed. Show evidence of support for the poor or meaningful development, even in your own community,” Jaga urged.
While acknowledging the presence of fraudulent pastors, Jaga emphasized that such excesses should not diminish the core Christian message of hope and transformation. “There are fake pastors, yes, but the gospel itself remains a message of hope and transformation,” he said. “If you truly believe in what you are saying, then lead by example. Give back, support the poor, and demonstrate the values you preach.”
Osinbajo’s earlier comments had sparked debate by labeling the prosperity gospel as a distortion of Christian teaching, prompting mixed reactions among religious leaders and the public. Jaga’s response adds another voice to the ongoing discussion about the role of faith‑based rhetoric in addressing Nigeria’s persistent poverty and social inequality.
