Nigerian Influencer Criticizes Actress’s ‘Deliverance’ Session at School
LAGOS, Nigeria – A viral video showing Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh leading a prayer session described as a “deliverance” at a Nigerian school has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from prominent social media influencer VeryDarkMan. The incident has ignited a debate about the appropriateness of such displays involving children and the role of public figures in supporting vulnerable communities.
The controversy began after Dikeh shared clips on her Instagram page on March 6, 2026, detailing what she called a spiritual encounter during an evangelism outreach. In the videos, Dikeh stated she sensed a “spirit of death” while preparing to leave the school grounds, prompting an impromptu prayer session with students.
The footage quickly circulated online, eliciting mixed reactions. However, VeryDarkMan strongly condemned the actress’s actions, urging her to refrain from involving children in what he characterized as dramatic spiritual displays intended for online content. He also warned Dikeh to stay away from the school, noting it is located within his community.
“With all due respect to Tonto Dikeh… this is a warning do not come to my area to do this again… na only poor man children good to test your powers. Leave my area kids alone,” VeryDarkMan wrote in an Instagram post. He emphasized the importance of providing children with “real life orientation” rather than instilling fear of spiritual forces.
VeryDarkMan further argued that public figures should prioritize practical support for children in underserved communities. He highlighted his own efforts to improve the school’s facilities through renovation projects. “We want to raise kids with real life orientation not an ideology that if you don’t make it there is something following you from village,” he stated. “Prayers are good however without work prayers are not useful.”
The incident has resonated with broader concerns about the potential psychological impact of exposing children to intense religious experiences, particularly within a public school setting. While some social media users have defended Dikeh’s religious outreach, many have sided with VeryDarkMan, arguing that children should be shielded from such public displays.
As of Sunday, March 8, 2026, Dikeh has not publicly responded to the criticism. The debate continues online, with discussions focusing on the ethical considerations of using children in religious content and the responsibility of public figures to prioritize the well-being of vulnerable populations.
The incident also follows recent scrutiny of other Nigerian celebrities. Legit.ng reported on similar concerns regarding actress Sarah Martins and her public cooking displays, while Nasboi recently criticized Carter Efe over comments about the state of skit-making in Nigeria.
