A war of words has erupted between Apostle Johnson Suleman, founder of Omega Fire Ministries, and activist-publisher Omoyele Sowore, following the filing of a lawsuit over alleged defamation.

In a post on Facebook, Suleman accused Sowore of consistently defaming individuals and evading accountability by portraying himself as a victim of persecution. He said Sowore had falsely linked him to a fabricated story involving people he claimed never to have met, despite being given time to retract the publication. According to the cleric, the matter is now before the court because Sowore refused to correct what he described as falsehoods.

Suleman warned that he would no longer ignore what he termed “unsubstantiated attacks” on pastors and churches, adding that any further allegations driven by what he described as an anti-church agenda would attract legal action. He also rejected calls for forgiveness, insisting that forgiveness requires admission of guilt and remorse.

Reacting in a separate Facebook post, Sowore dismissed Suleman’s claims as “charlatanism” and said he was not seeking forgiveness from the cleric. He alleged that Suleman had previously sued him over reports involving a former associate, Stephanie Otobo, but later sought to end the case on the condition that media scrutiny stopped—an offer he said he rejected.

Sowore further claimed that the current lawsuit was selectively targeted and questioned why other individuals who have made allegations against the pastor were not included. He reiterated longstanding accusations that Suleman stages fake miracles and misuses church funds, claims he said were documented and unretracted. He also raised questions about amendments to the lawsuit and alleged inducements to witnesses—allegations Suleman has previously denied.

Describing the case as an opportunity for public accountability, Sowore said he welcomed the legal process, insisting that his concern was for alleged victims and church members who, he claimed, had been exploited.

The matter is now before the courts, with both parties maintaining their positions and trading allegations in the public space.