Chidi Odinkalu, a respected law professor and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, In a recently post shared by Chidi Odinkalu on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, to voice strong criticism against Bishop David Abioye over a comment the bishop made about tithing. The statement by Bishop Abioye, a prominent figure in the Nigerian Christian community and senior pastor at the Living Faith Church, sparked a wave of reactions online.
In a sermon that has since drawn wide attention, Bishop Abioye claimed that tithes are not collected by pastors, but by Jesus himself. “It is not the pastor who receives your tithes; it is Jesus who receives your tithe,” he said. “What will the pastor do with your tithes? Your tithes are meant to tie you to God.” His message was clearly intended to emphasize the spiritual significance of tithing, portraying it as a sacred act of devotion rather than a financial transaction with the church.
However, Odinkalu found the claim deeply troubling and questioned both its logic and its theological soundness. In his reaction, he wrote: “How do people even allow themselves to listen to this kind of nonsense—that God needs paper money which is of very recent origin in human society?!” His remarks quickly went viral, drawing thousands of engagements and reigniting an ongoing conversation in Nigeria about religious teachings, particularly concerning money and donations in churches.
The post generated mixed responses. A significant number of social media users sided with Odinkalu, applauding him for calling out what they perceived as manipulative preaching. These supporters argued that religious leaders must be more responsible with their teachings and avoid misleading their congregations, especially on financial matters. Others, however, defended the bishop’s statement, saying that tithing remains a deeply personal and spiritual practice for many believers and that it should not be subjected to ridicule or public attack.
This isn’t the first time Odinkalu has weighed in on sensitive national issues. Known for his outspoken stance on human rights, social justice, and governance, he has often challenged prevailing narratives in both political and religious circles. His latest commentary adds a new layer to the ongoing debate around the role of religion in public life and the accountability of spiritual leaders, especially in a country like Nigeria where religious institutions hold significant influence.
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