Nigerian Pastor Ibiyeomie Sparks Outrage with Claim That Jesus Hated the Poor

Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries is refusing to back down after his explosive claim that Jesus “hated poverty” and deliberately avoided poor people.

The controversial statement, made during a sermon, ignited a firestorm on social media, with many accusing the pastor of twisting biblical teachings.

In the sermon, Ibiyeomie boldly declared that Jesus “never entered the home of a poor person” because He despised poverty.

His words quickly sparked backlash, with critics slamming him for misrepresenting scripture.

But in a follow-up sermon, Ibiyeomie stood firm, revealing that the Holy Spirit had personally confirmed the truth of his statement.

“Some persons called me and said the internet was on fire. I was not interested, but out of curiosity, I checked,” he said, adding, “Then I asked the Holy Spirit to tell me if I was wrong and I would take the blame. He was dictating God’s word to me verbatim in the bathroom.”

The pastor went on to claim that the Holy Spirit explained that, just like believers should avoid befriending sinners, they should also avoid close association with the poor.

“If a believer is mixing with sinners, people get angry. In the same way, if you mix with the poor, people should be angry,” Ibiyeomie said.

He further argued that poverty is not just a financial issue, but a mindset, and insisted that the sacrifice Jesus made was not just for sin and sickness, but for poverty too.

“Why reject sin and accept poverty?” he challenged.

Ibiyeomie’s remarks have ignited a fierce debate, with many accusing him of pushing a distorted version of prosperity theology.