
A social media storm has erupted over Nigerian pastor Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin's latest venture: selling "sand of Jerusalem" to his followers.
The controversy, highlighted by a post on X (formerly Twitter), has drawn sharp criticism, especially given the ongoing conflict in Jerusalem, as reported by Al Jazeera. The post, which went viral, accuses Fufeyin of exploiting "gullible followers" while the region faces real-life turmoil.
Fufeyin, known for founding the Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, has a history of marketing various "miracle" products, including "Pool of Bethesda" water and anointing oils. His practices have previously come under scrutiny from Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which challenged the healing claims of his "River Jordan water" and other items.
This latest endeavor—selling sand purportedly from Jerusalem—has reignited debates about the ethics and legitimacy of his commercial activities within his ministry.
The X post, shared by the account @NigeriaStories, features a video clip of Fufeyin promoting the sand, with captions like "While Jerusalem is fighting a real-life war, a pastor in Nigeria is selling 'the sand of Jerusalem' to his gullible followers.".
Reactions on X have been swift and polarized. Some users expressed outrage, with comments like, "Arrest that man for fraud," and "This man is always selling stuff, that's a sign that he worships Mammon more than the God he claims to know."
Others mocked the idea, with one user asking, "When will he start selling red sea? Na that one i wan buy." However, a smaller faction defended Fufeyin, arguing that his actions are part of his ministry's outreach.
Fufeyin's controversial practices extend beyond product sales. His Wikipedia page documents a 2024 legal battle with social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, over criticisms of Fufeyin's "miracle products," including soap and mustard seeds.
The activist demanded evidence of certification from NAFDAC, escalating the dispute into a public and legal confrontation. Additionally, Fufeyin's loud acts of charity and focus on "deliverance" have drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his philanthropy while others question its motives.
The timing of this controversy coincides with heightened tensions in Jerusalem, where ongoing conflicts have led to instability and violence. Critics argue that Fufeyin's commercialization of items from the region disrespects the gravity of the situation.
"Israel is in war with Iran, a Nigerian pastor is busy selling Israel sand. Wait when Israel finish with Iran you will explain to them what you did to their sand in Jerusalem," one user commented, reflecting the sentiment of many.
As the debate continues, Fufeyin's actions have once again placed him at the center of a broader discussion about the intersection of faith, commerce, and ethics in Nigeria's religious landscape. Whether this latest controversy will lead to further regulatory action or a shift in public perception remains to be seen.