The following are the views expressed by Olufemi Oguntokun in the May 22, 2026’s episode of the On the Lord’s Side Podcast – Christian perspectives on news and current events.
ON THE TRAGIC DEATH OF THREE CHILDREN IN RIVERS STATE
I want to reflect on a truly heartbreaking story from Rivers State. A mother, Mrs. Amarachi Promise Esomunu, lost her three children — aged 10, 4, and 3 — after a man teaching his girlfriend how to drive at 8 p.m. lost control of the vehicle and rammed into their residence. The pain in that mother’s voice as she cried for justice on Arise TV was devastating.
This is a complete nightmare. We pray the Lord will comfort her in a way only He can. Such tragedies confront us with the problem of evil and the fallenness of creation. Why do innocent children die because of someone else’s recklessness? Why does justice sometimes seem delayed or denied?
As Christians, we weep with those who weep. We sit with the grieving in silence if necessary, like Job’s friends at first. We affirm the fallenness of this world — creation is in bondage to decay. We affirm God’s absolute sovereignty and goodness even when we do not understand. And we proclaim the gospel of hope: this world is not the end. There is coming a day with no more tears, no more death, no more pain.
We also call all to repentance, for none of us is better than those who have suffered or perished. Death will come to us all. May the Lord comfort this mother and spare us from such tragedies.
ON ENTERTAINMENT IN THE CHURCH
I came across a powerful clip from Pastor Judah Olorunmaye that I fully agree with and celebrate. He warned against turning church into entertainment: music must entertain, prayers must entertain, preaching must entertain. He said if we sing to amuse people rather than offer spiritual sacrifice to God, we have become mere performers. “To lead us in worship, not entertainment. We know where the cinema is.”
This is a much-needed rebuke to the Nigerian church and many places around the world. Not everything in the house of God must be exciting. There is time for sober reflection, for solid food, for deep truth — even when it makes people uncomfortable. Jesus taught truths that caused many to walk away. We must proclaim the full counsel of God, not tailor services to feed carnal appetites.
Thank God for this reminder. Let us prioritize what pleases God over what thrills the crowd.
ON THE APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR SHEGUN AINO AS JAMB REGISTRAR
On a more positive note, I was impressed to learn of the appointment of 39-year-old Professor Shegun Aino as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). A young professor of computer engineering with impressive credentials from the UK and Lagos Business School — this is worth celebrating.
We pray he brings fresh perspectives, competence, and integrity to overhaul JAMB’s systems and eliminate past embarrassments. We also hope the winds of positive change reach WAEC and other examination bodies. However, let no one think youth alone guarantees transformation. It is ultimately a matter of the heart — a heart that fears God and is accountable to Him.
Competence and character matter. We wish Professor Aino success and pray his tenure brings glory to God and good to Nigeria.
ON PETER DALGLISH AND THE JUDGMENT OF THE HEART
The story of Peter Dalglish, once celebrated philanthropist and founder of Street Kids International, who was stripped of Canada’s Order of Canada after being convicted in Nepal of raping two boys aged 11 and 14, is sobering. Here was a man honored by the world for “helping” street children, only to be exposed as an abuser.
This reminds us that God does not judge as man judges. Man looks at the outward appearance; God looks at the heart. It is possible to do outwardly good works — even give all goods to the poor — and still lack love, still be detestable in God’s sight. What people value highly is often detestable to God.
Let this admonish us. Do not be simple-minded about those the world celebrates. Examine your own heart. Pray like the psalmist: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” Let Christ alone be our example.
ON UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
The question of the day: Is it true that I cannot understand the Bible without the Holy Spirit?
Yes, it is not only true — it is profoundly true. The Bible is the Word of the living God. The natural person cannot discern its true glory. Brilliant atheists may analyze its history and language, but without the Spirit, they find it foolish.
Jesus had to open the minds of His own disciples on the road to Emmaus. Paul says the natural man finds the things of the Spirit foolish. David prayed, “Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.” When the Holy Spirit removes the veil, the same words you have read many times suddenly blaze with light and grip your heart.
This should make us humble — no matter our intelligence or theological education, we are blind without God’s help. It should also make us hopeful — understanding does not depend on our IQ but on the Holy Spirit, who is available to every believer.
Do not just read the Bible. Pray before you read it. Ask the Holy Spirit to glorify Christ and make the Scriptures alive to your soul.
Remain firmly on the Lord’s side. Amen.
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