The intellectual and multi-instrumentalist criticizes manipulative power dynamics in religious mentorship, calling out what he describes as “control disguised as spiritual authority.”
A Nigerian intellectual, writer, and polymath, Babatunde Kehinde Oluwatosin, has ignited fresh conversations online after boldly criticizing what he describes as “unethical mentorship practices” among some male religious leaders.
In a strongly worded post shared on social media via his WhatsApp status, Oluwatosin argued that many so-called “men of God” use mentorship as a cover for emotional manipulation and inappropriate curiosity about the private lives of young women.
He wrote,
“As a rule of engagement in ministry, male ‘men of God’ -whether in quotes or not- should not be mentoring young females. Too often, it’s a disguise for genital meet and greet. What’s the connection between mentoring me and asking about my sexual history or experience as a male pastor? That’s not mentorship; it’s control.”
He further condemned what he called “manipulation wrapped as spiritual authority,” questioning why some pastors fixate on the sexual pasts of their female mentees.
“You want to know who’s sleeping with me so you can create imaginary scenarios in your head? As how now?” he added.
Oluwatosin’s post has since generated debate across social media platforms, with many praising his boldness in addressing an issue often ignored within religious spaces. Others, however, argue that his statement generalizes the actions of a few to an entire community of spiritual leaders.
The multi-percussionist and prolific writer, known for his thought-provoking essays and deep reflections on morality, art, and society, concluded by challenging churches to establish clearer ethical boundaries between mentorship and personal intrusion.
“Unfortunately,” he said, “many young women cannot be spoken for as they marinate underneath when these ‘men of God’ share beer-parlour-level conversations and take turns with useless ‘hmmm’ and ‘deep.’”
Oluwatosin’s remarks have reopened the ongoing discussion about abuse of power, boundaries, and accountability in faith-based mentorship systems.
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