Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, the controversial founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, unveiled a new spectacle during a recent Sunday service: an inflatable aircraft balloon purportedly designed to “carry away” the problems of his congregants.
The event, captured in a video circulating on social media, shows Fufeyin energetically wielding the balloon, declaring it a vessel for divine intervention as part of his ministry’s latest approach to spiritual deliverance.
The service, held in Warri, Delta State, featured Fufeyin instructing his followers to project their troubles onto the balloon, which he then “flew” around the church premises. This theatrical display is consistent with Fufeyin’s history of employing dramatic and symbolic acts to engage his audience, a strategy that has both captivated and polarized public opinion.
The video, shared by the account @NigeriaStories on X, has sparked a mix of amusement and criticism online, with some users questioning the appropriateness of such methods in a religious setting.
This latest episode comes at a time when Fufeyin is already embroiled in significant legal and public disputes. In 2024, he filed a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, following the activist’s vocal criticism of Fufeyin’s “miracle” products, including healing soaps and mustard seeds.
VeryDarkMan’s challenge to the authenticity and regulatory approval of these items by Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has fueled a broader debate about the intersection of faith, commerce, and consumer protection in Nigeria.
NAFDAC’s involvement underscores the regulatory challenges facing Fufeyin’s ministry. In September 2024, the agency announced an investigation into his spiritual products, warning the public about their unapproved status and potential health risks. Despite this, Fufeyin has continued to market these items, claiming divine endorsement and miraculous properties, a stance that has drawn both devotees and detractors.
The inflatable aircraft balloon incident is emblematic of Fufeyin’s approach to ministry, which often blends spectacle with spirituality. His actions have been both a source of fascination and frustration, reflecting the complex dynamics of religious leadership in Nigeria. While some see his methods as innovative ways to engage faith, others view them as exploitative, especially given the financial implications for his followers.
