Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has expressed concern over reports of a proposed N50,000 sanction for preaching in commercial buses, urging Christians to remain vigilant and defend their right to share the gospel.
Speaking during a church gathering in a video posted on Facebook on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Ayodele described the reported proposal as a serious issue that should not be ignored.
“When they said if you preach inside a bus, you will pay N50,000, Christians should wake up. I am telling you, this is serious,” he said.
Ayodele argued that such a measure, if implemented, could discourage public evangelism and undermine religious freedom. He maintained that preaching is a core aspect of the Christian faith and should not be criminalized, urging believers not to allow fear or intimidation to prevent them from spreading the gospel.
The cleric also called on religious leaders and relevant stakeholders to engage authorities through peaceful dialogue, emphasizing unity, prayer and lawful engagement. His remarks come amid ongoing public debate over regulating activities in commercial transport and balancing public order with constitutional rights to freedom of religion and expression.
