Oyedepo’s claim of healing Coronavirus is reckless and irresponsible – Leo Igwe

Founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria (HAN), Leo Igwe says Living faith church General Overseer, Bishop Oyedepo’s claim of healing some members of his church of Coronavirus is reckless and irresponsible.
Oyedepo on Sunday had disclosed that his church has recorded 114 COVID-19 healings. He said the above number had publicly testified of being healed from COVID-19.

Reacting to this, Igwe says Oyedepo’s claim could lead people to indulge in risky behaviours believing their faith will heal them if ever they get infected.

Igwe noted that the cleric’s healing claim goes contrary to the directives and positions of the WHO.

“The claim is weighty, reckless, and irresponsible. His faith healing claim is capable of making people throw caution to the wind, indulge in risky behaviors while believing that their faith would heal them if they contract the virus,” he added.

“This faith healing claim by Oyedepo is a piece of misinformation because faith healing is superstition- not a science-based proposition.

“There is no evidence that anybody could be healed of coronavirus as Oyedepo. Unfortunately, this faith healing report from Winners’ church was not balanced and did not contain any perspective from the NCDC, or the health ministry, or a public health expert.

“This faith-healing claim has the potential of misleading the public, especially at a time of so much fear, panic, and uncertainty over the spread and cure of COVID-19.

“The lockdown has adversely affected the religious market. But the way to get the authorities to lift the ban on public gathering in churches is not to spread lies and misinformation about COVID-19 as Oyedepo has done.

“COVID-19 constitutes a public health challenge, and church leaders should be mindful of the claims that they make.”