UK-based Nigerian reality star Natasha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has ignited fresh debate by condemning the behaviour of many Nigerian pastors, following a viral video involving Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church. In an exclusive reaction shared on her social media, Tacha claimed that 90% of Nigerian pastors would not get away with the conduct they exhibit at home if they were outside Nigeria.
The controversy began when a video surfaced showing Pastor Adefarasin holding what appeared to be a pistol-like object while confronting a car spotter filming his vehicle. The clip quickly sparked widespread criticism and heated online discussions. While Pastor Adefarasin insisted the object was not a firearm and denied pointing it at anyone, many viewers disagreed.
Tacha weighed in strongly, accusing the pastor of gaslighting the public. “Everybody saw the video. We all saw the video. And from the video, we can tell who the aggressor was,” she said in a video message posted on her X handle (formerly Twitter).
She elaborated, “The pastor stopped his car, wound down the window, held an object that looks like a firearm, and told this boy, ‘Don’t do that, don’t do that…’ From what I remember, the boy was even hailing the pastor in the video. There are car spotters everywhere in the world. I don’t see how he was aggressive.”
Tacha expressed frustration with the pastor’s congregation who cheered him on, calling it “gullible” and accusing them of selective blindness to the pastor’s behaviour. She argued, “90% of our Nigerian pastors will not get away with what they do in Nigeria outside Nigeria. The kind of Christianity they practice, if they try it anywhere outside Nigeria, their church will close down within a year.”
Highlighting what she called double standards, Tacha noted, “If it were politicians like Seyi Tinubu or Wike who behaved like this, Twitter would be on fire for a week. But because he is a pastor, some people make excuses.”
She also recalled a previous incident involving Pastor Adefarasin, who reportedly smashed the windscreen of a bus after it collided with his car — an act she says put passengers at risk. “And yet, he wants to label the content creator as aggressive? So anybody holding a phone now is aggressive? This selective hypocrisy is crazy. Let’s stop being hypocrites.”
Tacha’s outspoken comments have reignited conversations about accountability and the conduct of Nigerian religious leaders, many of whom wield significant influence. Critics argue that such behaviour damages the reputation of Christian leadership in Nigeria and perpetuates harmful power dynamics.
The House on the Rock Church, led by Pastor Adefarasin, has a massive following both within Nigeria and internationally. The pastor is known for his charismatic preaching style and community initiatives. However, the recent incident raises questions about the boundaries of pastoral conduct in public spaces.
This controversy also highlights broader societal challenges regarding the interactions between public figures and everyday citizens. With the growing use of smartphones and social media, such encounters are more frequently recorded and scrutinised.
As the debate continues, Tacha’s remarks have sparked a wave of support and backlash online, reflecting deep divisions in public opinion about religious leadership, accountability, and the role of social media in holding powerful figures to account.