Daddy Freeze reveals he received death threats for criticising Nigerian pastors, saying his stance sparked wider accountability in the country’s church system

Daddy Freeze slams pastors in Nigeria, revealing that his outspoken stance led to death threats and years of persecution.

Also read: Daddy Freeze claims Nigerian pentecostal church miracles are choreographed

The popular broadcaster and controversial religious critic made this known during a recent appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast, where he now serves as co-host following Nedu’s departure.

Freeze, whose real name is Ifedayo Olarinde, said the threats extended beyond him and were directed at members of his family. His vocal challenge to the authority of Nigerian clerics, he claims, opened the door for others to demand transparency and accountability from the church.

“If there’s anybody who has experienced persecution from Nigerian pastors and their minions, it’s me,” he said. “They called me derogatory names.

I had death threats that were transferred to my family members. That was 10 years ago. And the work I did is why you have people standing up today to the church.”

He also recounted a personal experience that sparked his departure from church life. Following his divorce, Freeze said his pastor attempted to reconcile him with his ex-wife. When he declined, he was cut off from participating in church activities and banned from sitting in the front row.

“I felt rejected because Jesus never condemned the woman who had been married five times and was living with a sixth man. I only had one divorce and my church treated me as if I committed murder,” he recalled.

That experience prompted him to step away from institutional religion and embark on a personal journey into scripture. According to him, studying the Bible in its original languages reshaped his entire view of the Christian faith.

“You can’t do that work for one year and any Nigerian pastor would make sense to you. It’s impossible,” he said.

Freeze has long been a polarising figure in Nigeria’s religious space. His #FreeTheSheeple campaign and critical commentary on clerical excesses earned him both loyal followers and fierce enemies.

Despite the backlash, he insists that challenging religious authority is essential in a society where spiritual influence often goes unchecked.

Also read: Daddy Freeze reveals how criticising Pastors cost him his career, income

Through his platforms and now the Honest Bunch, Daddy Freeze continues to speak out, arguing that accountability should never be sacrificed on the altar of religious reverence.