Apostle Arome Osayi, President of Remnant Christian Network (RCN), has stirred widespread controversy on social media following a statement in which he described the life of any person above the age of 21 who has never spoken in tongues for six hours as “a joke.”
The cleric made the remark during a recent sermon, a video clip of which has since gone viral across social media platforms, attracting mixed reactions from Nigerians, particularly within Christian circles.
In the sermon, Apostle Osayi emphasized that speaking in tongues is a vital spiritual discipline and not merely a religious activity. According to him, extended periods of praying in tongues signify spiritual growth, alignment with God’s divine purpose, and the unlocking of breakthroughs in a believer’s life.
He argued that by the time an individual reaches adulthood, especially from age 21 upward, they should have developed the spiritual stamina to engage deeply in prayer, including sustained moments of speaking in tongues. Failure to do so, he suggested, reflects spiritual unseriousness and a lack of commitment to personal spiritual development.
“If you are 21 years old and you have never spoken in tongues for up to six hours before, your life is a joke,” the preacher was heard saying, a statement that immediately ignited intense debate online.
While some supporters defended Apostle Osayi, describing his message as a call to deeper spiritual discipline and maturity, critics accused him of being insensitive, elitist, and dismissive of Christians who may not share the same doctrinal beliefs or spiritual expressions.
Several Nigerians on social media argued that spirituality should not be measured by the duration of speaking in tongues, noting that Christianity encompasses diverse practices and personal spiritual journeys. Others questioned the biblical basis of placing a specific time frame on spiritual exercises, warning that such statements could discourage young believers or create unnecessary pressure.
However, followers of the apostle countered the criticism, explaining that his message was directed at believers who desire spiritual depth and was not meant to mock or condemn anyone. They insisted that the statement should be understood within the context of intense prayer culture and spiritual discipline commonly emphasized in charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity.
Apostle Arome Osayi, known for his strong emphasis on prayer, consecration, and spiritual warfare, has built a significant following across Nigeria and beyond. His teachings often provoke discussion, as they challenge conventional approaches to faith and call for radical devotion among believers.
As the debate continues online, the statement has once again highlighted the broader conversation around spirituality, religious expectations, and the diversity of Christian expressions in Nigeria’s vibrant religious landscape.
