By Okafor Joseph, Editor | June 17, 2025 | SpringnewsNG Media Limited

Entertainment

Popular Nigerian media personality Ifedayo Olarinde, widely known as Daddy Freeze, has opened up about receiving death threats over a decade ago following his bold criticisms of Nigerian Christian pastors.

Speaking during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast—where he now serves as co-host, replacing comedian Nedu—Daddy Freeze revealed that not only was his life threatened, but his family members also became targets due to his outspoken stance against religious leaders in Nigeria.

He explained that his decision to challenge clerics came after a personal experience involving his divorce. According to him, his former pastor attempted to reconcile him and his ex-wife, but when he declined, the church leadership punished him by excommunicating him from leadership roles and public visibility during church programs.

“I was no longer allowed to serve or sit in the front row,” he said. “It felt like rejection. Jesus didn’t condemn the woman at the well, yet I was being treated like a criminal for getting a divorce.”

Feeling alienated, Daddy Freeze turned away from organized church gatherings and began to study the scriptures more deeply in their original languages. He said that journey opened his eyes to what he described as inconsistencies in the teachings of many Nigerian pastors.

“You can’t read scripture in-depth for one year and still find sense in what most Nigerian pastors preach. It’s impossible,” he said.

The OAP said his criticism sparked widespread backlash and persecution, but he believes it also played a pivotal role in awakening public demand for accountability from religious leaders.

“If anyone has suffered for calling out Nigerian pastors, it’s me. I was mocked, insulted, and threatened. My family was dragged into it. But I believe the work I did then laid the foundation for others to boldly speak out today.”

Daddy Freeze remains a controversial but influential figure in Nigeria’s social and religious commentary space. His critiques continue to ignite debates around faith, doctrine, and leadership within the Nigerian Christian community.