Nigerian comedian Funnybone has spoken out against what he described as a worrying pattern among some “new generation preachers,” accusing them of turning disagreements into public drama and bringing embarrassment to the Christian community.
In a post shared on his Instagram page, the entertainer expressed frustration over pastors dragging one another on social media and using the Bible to justify personal actions and public arguments.
“Dear new generation preachers,” he wrote, “this recent trend of dragging one another on social media is tasteless and deeply embarrassing to the Body of Christ. Everyone is wielding the Bible to justify personal excesses and unnecessary drama. It is both shameful and exhausting to watch.”
The comedian questioned why church leaders now appear comfortable turning disagreements into online content rather than resolving issues privately. According to him, previous generations of pastors handled conflicts with more discretion.
“If your founding fathers had been this dramatic, you probably wouldn’t have had a congregation to pastor today,” he stated. “What happened to picking up the phone, calling that pastor privately, and resolving issues as spiritual men? Must everything become a public spectacle? Can this just stop?”
Funnybone added that even if those involved do not feel embarrassed by their conduct, many followers do. “If you are not embarrassed, please know that we are embarrassed on your behalf. Pastors behaving like content creators online… sigh.”
His comments come amid weeks of public debate within Nigeria’s Christian space, triggered by controversies surrounding Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo of David Christian Centre. Okonkwo had earlier revealed a Bible-inspired tattoo — “III: XVI,” a reference to John 3:16 — which sparked mixed reactions among ministers and church members.
The incident sparked debate within the Christian community, with several pastors weighing in and sharing different views on the matter, especially on social media.
In a recent response to critics, Okonkwo said he felt insulted by some of the comments made by fellow ministers. He argued that only “one or two ministers were grounded and sound enough” to understand his decision, while others reacted out of what he described as religious bias.
He also dismissed questions about whether the tattoo was “expedient,” describing such arguments as “stupid talk,” and insisted that there is “ranking in the spirit,” suggesting that not every minister is in a position to correct another.
Funnybone, whose real name is Stanley Chibunna, has spent over a decade in Nigeria’s entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian and actor. In 2020, he won Best Actor in a Comedy at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
