Ibiyeomie On Fire For Claiming “Jesus Doesn’t Love The Poor”
A statement made by popular Nigerian preacher Pastor David Ibiyeomie has triggered widespread backlash and ignited debate across religious and social spaces in the country.
During a recent Sunday service at Salvation Ministries in Port Harcourt, the clergyman told his congregation that “Jesus never liked poor people,” a comment that has since gone viral, drawing criticism from theologians, churchgoers, and social media users alike.
“Jesus never visited any poor person in the house; read your Bible,” Ibiyeomie said. “That means He hates poverty. He visited Lazarus; they were not poor; they were giving Him food. He visited a sinner called Zacchaeus who was rich. Tell me one poor man Jesus entered his house.”
Pastor Ibiyeomie went on to assert that Jesus’ death was meant to lift people out of poverty, saying:
“You can come poor, but you are not permitted to remain poor.”
The comments did not go unnoticed. Within hours, Nigerians flooded social media with responses, many expressing disbelief, frustration, and concern over the message being shared from the pulpit.
“Even in church, the poor man gets no peace of mind,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user, @Bobbydbobo, countered the pastor’s claim with scripture:
“The same Jesus that said, ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.’ These marketers will twist the Bible to suit their agenda.”
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Others reminded the public of Christ’s consistent outreach to the marginalised. “He preached on mountains, dined with outcasts, and healed the beggar,” one post read. “This isn’t the Jesus I know.”
The outrage isn’t just online. Several Christian leaders and scholars have called for more theological responsibility among high-profile pastors, warning that misinterpretation of scripture can mislead congregants and distort the gospel’s core message of compassion and inclusion.
This isn’t the first time Pastor Ibiyeomie has found himself at the centre of controversy. Earlier this year, he drew sharp criticism after suggesting that churchgoers’ offerings and tithes should increase in difficult times—remarks many saw as insensitive, especially amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
His latest comments have reopened conversations around prosperity preaching, which emphasises financial success as a sign of divine favour—an approach that continues to divide opinion within Christian communities.
In the wake of the backlash, many Nigerians are turning back to their Bibles. Religious scholars point to numerous instances in scripture where Jesus is seen advocating for the poor and standing in solidarity with the oppressed. From His birth in a humble manger to His frequent parables about justice and generosity, many argue that Christ’s life was anything but dismissive of poverty.
“He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor,” Jesus says in Luke 4:18—one of His most quoted declarations of purpose.
No official response or clarification has been issued by Pastor Ibiyeomie or Salvation Ministries as of the time of this report.
For some, Pastor Ibiyeomie’s statement feels like a step away from Jesus, who walked among the poor, touched the untouchables, and reminded His followers that “whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.”
Content Credit: Oydepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
Image Credit: naijabiography.com
