Popular Nigerian writer and social commentator Solomon Buchi has stirred a whirlwind of controversy on social media after publicly criticizing Nollywood actress Nancy Isime over a spiritual practice she recently shared online. In a direct and unapologetic post, Buchi described the actress’s expression of faith as “witchcraft,” declaring it incompatible with Christian beliefs and warning his followers not to be influenced by it. The comment sparked widespread debate across the internet, with many weighing in on the intersection of faith, personal spirituality, and public influence in Nigerian pop culture.

The uproar began when Nancy Isime posted a video or image—now widely circulated—depicting a spiritual practice she described as part of her personal routine for peace, healing, or empowerment. While she did not identify the ritual as Christian or explicitly religious, her followers interpreted the act in various ways, with some embracing it as a form of modern spirituality or self-care. However, Solomon Buchi, known for his blunt takes and unapologetically Christian worldview, was quick to respond—and he did not mince words.

“This isn’t Christianity. It’s witchcraft,” he wrote in a post that quickly gained traction. “I know you love her, but please, do not draw inspiration from this. Even yoga isn’t a Christian practice. Run!” His comment, laced with spiritual urgency, immediately triggered an avalanche of reactions, with thousands jumping into the fray to either support or condemn his stance.

Many of Buchi’s supporters applauded his boldness in calling out what they viewed as a growing trend of celebrity-endorsed spirituality that strays from biblical teachings. They expressed concern over the influence of public figures like Isime, who, whether intentionally or not, shape the spiritual outlook of impressionable fans. Others pointed to the increasing normalization of New Age practices, energy rituals, and mysticism among entertainers, questioning the implications for a largely religious society like Nigeria.

But not everyone agreed with Buchi’s characterization. Critics accused him of religious intolerance, saying he overstepped by labeling Isime’s practice as witchcraft without understanding its intent or cultural background. Some argued that the actress, like anyone else, has the right to explore her own path to spirituality and should not be publicly vilified for it. They saw Buchi’s reaction as part of a broader pattern of Christian gatekeeping that refuses to accommodate diversity in thought or belief.

Nancy Isime, for her part, has not yet responded to the writer’s comment. Known for her graceful poise and motivational messaging, the actress has often spoken about mental wellness, self-love, and mindfulness. She is seen by many as a beacon of positivity, and her lifestyle choices, while occasionally unconventional, have generally been celebrated rather than scrutinized. However, this latest development has added a controversial edge to her public image, raising questions about how far celebrities can go in expressing their personal beliefs without facing backlash.

What’s most notable about this episode is the intensity with which it has gripped public discourse. From WhatsApp groups to YouTube commentary channels, Nigerians are engaging in heated debates not only about Isime’s actions but also about the boundaries of Christianity in a pluralistic society. Is yoga inherently un-Christian, as Buchi claimed? Is every non-traditional spiritual practice a form of witchcraft? And who gets to decide what counts as authentic Christianity in the first place?

For Solomon Buchi, this isn’t just a question of theology—it’s a matter of spiritual urgency. In his view, the lines between faith and deception are being blurred in the media, and silence is no longer an option. His post, while polarizing, has reignited a long-running conversation about how religion is practiced and perceived in the public eye, especially in a country where faith plays such a central role in daily life.

Some observers believe this clash reflects a generational shift. Younger Nigerians are increasingly open to exploring alternative beliefs, merging traditional religion with elements of mindfulness, meditation, and ancestral spirituality. For them, such practices are not necessarily in conflict with Christianity but part of a more holistic, individualized approach to faith. Older or more conservative voices, like Buchi’s, see this trend as a dangerous drift from biblical truth, calling for a return to what they consider spiritual purity.

Beyond the spiritual arguments, the incident also highlights the power of influence in the digital age. With millions of followers between them, both Nancy Isime and Solomon Buchi have considerable reach, and their words matter. Whether through a quiet Instagram story or a fiery Twitter post, their platforms shape opinions, challenge norms, and sometimes spark societal reflection. In this case, the clash between celebrity spirituality and religious orthodoxy has touched a nerve, forcing many to reconsider what they believe, who they follow, and why.

As the debate rages on, some voices have called for calm, urging people to respect differing views while engaging in honest dialogue. Others hope the controversy might inspire deeper exploration into the roots of Christian doctrine and the implications of adopting practices from other belief systems. But whether it leads to understanding or further division remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: Solomon Buchi’s declaration has turned what might have been just another celebrity post into a national conversation about faith, influence, and identity. In a society where religion is both deeply personal and publicly performed, the boundaries between belief and blasphemy are as contested as ever. And as more public figures open up about their spiritual journeys, we can expect many more such moments of reckoning in the cultural landscape.