Akwa Ibom Government Cancels Evangelist Yinka Yusuf's Crusade Over Inflammatory Remarks

The Akwa Ibom State Government has withdrawn its approval for Evangelist Yinka Yusuf's planned "Uyo One Million Crusade," originally scheduled for February 9 to 15, 2026, at Ibom Hall Grounds in Uyo. The decision follows the circulation of a video in which Yusuf made derogatory remarks about the people of Akwa Ibom.

Initially, the Akwa Ibom Property and Investment Company Limited (APICO) cited "security reasons" for the cancellation. However, Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umanah later clarified that the decision was due to Yusuf's "vile, denigrating, and inflammatory comments" that insulted the collective identity and dignity of the state's residents. Umanah stated, "Hate speech is not evangelism, and insults are not a substitute for doctrine."

In response, Yusuf announced the cancellation of the crusade and apologized to the 5,000 evangelists invited from around the world. He expressed regret over the situation and stated, "We leave everything to God, from whom nothing is hidden."

The Akwa Ibom State Government has demanded a public apology from Yusuf and indicated that failure to comply may result in legal action. The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of religious leaders and the importance of respectful discourse within the community.