Veteran actor Patrick Doyle has called out the recent gifting of two Rolls Royce Cullinan cars to Bishop David Oyedepo for his 70th birthday, describing it as “insensitive” given the economic hardships many Nigerians are currently facing.
Doyle expressed his concerns on social media, stating that while it is essential to celebrate figures like Oyedepo, the extravagance of the gift could send the wrong message in a country where many people struggle to feed themselves.
“In these austere times, we all need to be sensitive to how we mark landmark celebrations,” Doyle wrote.
He argued that the money spent on the luxury vehicles could have been used for more socially relevant purposes, such as building vocational training centers or offering scholarships.
“A more sensitive gesture would have been to build a socially relevant facility or institute a scholarship scheme in his honor,” he suggested.
Doyle emphasized that his critique was not out of disrespect for Oyedepo but a reflection on how such public displays of wealth could be misinterpreted.
“The insensitivity of the elite may very well provide the spark for the long-anticipated revolution Nigeria needs for a reset,”
He cautioned, calling for more thoughtful and impactful ways to honor influential figures during such difficult times.