Nigerian gospel singer Salau Aliu Olayiwola, popularly known as Testimony Jaga, has publicly criticized former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo over his recent remarks on the so-called “prosperity gospel,” sparking a wider conversation about religion, governance, and social responsibility in Nigeria. In a viral video, Jaga firmly rejected the idea of dividing the Christian gospel into categories, asserting that there is only one gospel — the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He challenged Osinbajo’s authority to critique the Church, questioning his record during his tenure as vice president and urging him to demonstrate tangible impact in both governance and ministry.
Jaga’s response came after Osinbajo sparked debate by criticizing the prosperity gospel, a term often used to describe teachings that link faith with material wealth and financial success. While Osinbajo’s comments were intended to address what he sees as theological misrepresentation, Jaga argued that such distinctions are misleading and harmful. “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,” Jaga stated clearly in his video.
The gospel artiste did not stop at theological critique. He brought the issue into the political sphere, demanding accountability from Osinbajo for his time 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,” he said. Jaga highlighted Nigeria’s deep-rooted poverty and asked whether Osinbajo, as a former politician, had done enough to alleviate suffering. “Do you understand what poverty does to people? As a politician, what have you done to address it?” he questioned.
Jaga emphasized that the core of Christianity is hope, transformation, and encouragement, especially for those struggling. “The gospel is good news. If people are struggling, they should hear a message of upliftment, not condemnation,” he explained. He acknowledged that abuses exist within religious institutions, including fake pastors and exploitative practices, but warned against using these to discredit the entire message of the gospel. “There are fake pastors, yes, but the gospel itself remains a message of hope and transformation,” he noted.
He concluded by calling on Osinbajo to live out his convictions. “If you truly believe in what you are saying, then lead by example. Give back, support the poor, and demonstrate the values you preach,” Jaga urged. His remarks have drawn attention not only from religious circles but also from the public, who are increasingly demanding that leaders — both spiritual and political — show measurable results in their service to the people. As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic hardship and religious discourse, Jaga’s voice adds a powerful reminder that faith and action must go hand in hand.
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