Controversial cleric Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has sparked reactions after declaring that he would disappear when he had completed his assignment on earth rather than experience death and a conventional burial.
Odumeje made the remarks during an animated interaction with his congregation, where he questioned how his followers would celebrate him after his death and challenged the idea of a traditional burial ceremony for him.
“You can never celebrate me when I am dead. Who would go and put their foot in my burial?” he asked, as he addressed members of the congregation.
The cleric subsequently warned his followers against planning a burial for him, insisting that his departure from the world would not follow the conventional pattern.
“Don’t come and plan a burial for me,” he said before declaring, “I can never die. The only thing I will do when I’m done with my job, I will disappear.”
His statements were met with enthusiastic reactions from members of the congregation, who responded with shouts and chants as he continued speaking.
Odumeje, the leader of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, is known for his theatrical preaching style, dramatic public appearances and unconventional expressions during religious services.
His latest remarks have drawn attention because of the extraordinary nature of the declaration and the questions it raises about how religious leaders communicate their beliefs to followers.
The statement should be understood as the cleric’s own declaration rather than a verifiable claim about human mortality. His comments also reflect the distinctive performance style that has made him a widely discussed figure in Nigeria’s religious and entertainment conversations.
As reactions continue, the remarks are likely to generate further debate among supporters, critics and social media users about the line between religious expression, public performance and literal interpretation.