Delta State’s senior special assistant on media, Ossai Success, has denounced the online ridicule directed at Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International after the death of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo.
The controversy erupted when a photograph of Pastor Eze praying for Ekubo resurfaced on social media following the actor’s death from cancer. Netizens mocked the pastor for “failing” to heal the star, questioning the effectiveness of prayer and the church’s role in the actor’s illness.
In a statement posted to his official Facebook page, Success expressed disappointment with the mockery and reiterated his belief that divine healing remains active. “Whether you like it or not, God is still in the business of healing and miracles,” he wrote. “The fact that Alex was prayed for doesn’t mean he couldn’t die. God knows what is best.” He warned that laughing at such matters could lead to “self‑destruction.”
Pastor Eze, a prominent televangelist in Nigeria, had publicly offered prayers for Ekubo after news of the actor’s deteriorating health emerged. While Ekubo’s family confirmed that he had been battling cancer for an extended period, they did not comment on the pastor’s involvement. The actor, known for roles in several high‑profile films, passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.
The episode highlights a recurring tension between religious figures and a segment of the public that scrutinises the limits of spiritual intervention in medical crises. Critics argue that leaders who promise miraculous cures may give false hope, while supporters contend that prayer offers comfort irrespective of outcomes.
Success’s defence of the pastor underscores the Nigerian government’s broader stance on religious freedom and the continued influence of charismatic ministries in the public sphere. No official comment has been made by the Delta State governor’s office regarding the incident.
As the conversation unfolds online, observers note that the incident may prompt renewed dialogue on the responsibilities of religious leaders when addressing health emergencies, and on how social media amplifies both support and censure for spiritual interventions.
