Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has criticised the proposed enforcement of a ₦50,000 penalty for preaching in commercial buses, arguing that the government should prioritise tackling insecurity rather than restricting public evangelism. The remarks followed ongoing discussions surrounding the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which has generated public debate over provisions relating to preaching in commercial vehicles.

Speaking during a recent sermon at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State, Oyedepo questioned why attention was being placed on regulating bus preaching while violent attacks and killings continue across the country.

Referring to the proposed sanction, the cleric asked, “And now you mustn’t preach in the bus, is that an issue?” He maintained that addressing insecurity should take precedence over policies affecting religious activities in public spaces.

The Senate has maintained that the controversial provision is not new, explaining that it has existed since the enactment of the FRSC Establishment Act in 2007. Lawmakers also clarified that the amendment bill is intended to improve the safety of commuters and other road users, insisting it is not designed to suppress religious activities in public places.

During the sermon, the bishop strongly condemned the persistent killings in parts of Nigeria, expressing concern over what he described as the government’s inadequate response. He declared that he would pray against those responsible for the violence rather than offer prayers on their behalf. “Woe to all destructive agents in Nigeria. Whether in power or out of power, judgement has finally come,” he said.

Oyedepo also alleged that those behind the attacks were being sponsored and pronounced curses on individuals supporting violent activities.

The cleric questioned the silence of public authorities over recurring attacks, arguing that human lives should receive greater protection and attention. According to him, the nation’s security challenges deserve urgent action instead of debates over public preaching.

He expressed confidence that divine justice would eventually prevail, saying he believes those responsible for acts of violence would ultimately face judgment. The Oyedepo bus preaching comments have since drawn attention to the wider debate over balancing public safety regulations with freedom of religious expression, while also renewing conversations about the government’s response to insecurity across the country.