Nigerian Feminist Forum replies Oyedepo’s comments that feminists would have failed marriages

A coalition of feminists in the country the Nigeria Feminist Forum (NFF) has condemned a recent anti-feminism statement by Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo. 

The Bishop had recently warned women who identify themselves as feminists not to get married. 

The clergyman, who gave the advice during a sermon to his congregation, said the feminist movement led women to frustration and devastation. 

‘Your marriage will not work if you are a feminist’ – Bishop Oyedepo

However, reacting to the statement of Oyedepo in a Thursday statement issued to journalists by its Communications Officer, Angela Nkwo, the NFF condemned the statement of the clergyman.  

The group challenged Oyedepo to channel his energy on suggesting solutions to how Nigeria could overcome the challenges causing hindrance to the growth of the country. 

According to them, “The Nigerian Feminist Forum (NFF) has condemned the comments credited to the celebrated cleric and founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo on feminism, saying he should proffer solutions to insecurity, inflation, amongst others confronting the nation. 

“Casting huge aspersions on being a woman, its definition and expectations therein when he advised women against joining the feminist movement because it leads to frustration and devastation.” 

They added, “Contrary to the claims spread by people, feminism is about demanding gender equity, justice and access to equal resources for everyone, which will benefit families, communities and the wider society as a whole. 

“The cleric’s comments justified the notion that women do not lead branches of the church popularly called Winners chapel, saying it is condemnable as women form a followership of the congregation.”

The group further queried if feminists were the cause of his disengaged Pastors who failed to meet their assigned targets by the church even as they maintained they were males, who did not advance feminist principles. 

“We need to ask the eminent cleric, did feminists and the coalition’s cause the unproductivity of his pastors, or the insecurity and high inflation that have enveloped the nation?” they asked.

Recall that Oyedepo was in the news back in July after some pastors of the church were sacked for not converting enough souls. 

However, Oyedepo justified the sacking of the pastors, saying they were “unfruitful”. He also debunked claims that the church was sourcing for income.