Veteran entertainer and social activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has launched a scathing critique of Nigerian Christian clerics, alleging that the majority are more focused on profit than genuine spiritual leadership.
Speaking on a recent episode of the KAA Truths podcast, the outspoken singer accused many pastors of prioritising personal gain while remaining silent in the face of Nigeria’s worsening economic and security challenges.
Charly Boy argued that religious leaders who should serve as moral voices have instead become complicit, claiming some collaborate with corrupt politicians to exploit ordinary citizens.
According to him, the widespread influence of churches has not translated into accountability or advocacy for the suffering masses. He maintained that this silence raises serious questions about the true motivations behind many ministries.
The musician, known for his unconventional views and activism, stressed that he does not share the same mindset as most Nigerians when it comes to religion and authority. He said he deliberately distances himself from what he described as the deceptive practices of some clerics.
In blunt terms, Charly Boy claimed that nearly all the pastors he knows in Nigeria are running churches as businesses rather than places of spiritual guidance.
He added that although he lives in Nigeria, he refuses to conform to belief systems or social norms he considers harmful, insisting that his values and outlook set him apart from the mainstream.
The remarks have since sparked conversations online, with supporters praising his candour while critics accused him of making sweeping generalisations about religious leaders.