Popular cleric Femi Lazarus has responded to criticism over the $150 fee charged for his school of ministry, which provides training and education in spiritual leadership and development.
The controversy began when Lazarus condemned gospel singers’ high performance fees, sparking a reaction from singer Timi Dakolo.
Dakolo pointed out the apparent contradiction in Lazarus’ stance, highlighting that the cleric charges a fee for his school of ministry. This sparked a heated debate on social media, with many questioning the cleric’s motives and others defending his right to charge for his services.
When questioned about the fee by a social media user, Lazarus simply stated, “Yes o, it is a school.” His response implies that the education and training provided by his ministry school warrant compensation. However, many have argued that spiritual leaders should provide their services free of charge, as they are seen as servants of God.
Lazarus’ defense of the fee has added fuel to the debate on the ethics of charging for spiritual services. While some argue that spiritual leaders should not charge for their services, others see no issue with compensating them for their expertise and training. Proponents of the fee argue that it is necessary to cover the costs of running the school and providing quality education.
The controversy has also raised questions about the commercialization of spirituality and the role of money in religious institutions. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Lazarus and his school of ministry will respond to the criticism and whether the fee will be revised or removed.
