…says verbal attack on an entire ethnic group unbecoming of a clergy
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has strongly condemned what it described as the inflammatory and deeply offensive remarks credited to Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, a Nigerian clergy, in which he referred to the Igbo people as “the problem of this country,” “desperate for power,” “cursed,” and incapable of leading Nigeria.
In a press statement signed by its President; Dr Stephen Nwala and Secretary; Dr Uzor Ngoladi a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, FOSAD noted that Primate Ayodele’s utterances were not only reckless, but dangerously divisive.
“As an organization of scholars dedicated to peacebuilding, national unity, and intellectual maturity, FOSAD finds these statements not only reckless but dangerously divisive”, adding that “No responsible religious leader should deploy the pulpit to spew ethnic hatred or promote stereotypes that undermine the delicate fabric of national cohesion”.
While stressing that the Igbo ethnic group, like other major ethnic groups in Nigeria, had contributed tremendously to the country’s development in many ways including industry, innovation, public service, etc, the Academia’s forum decried what it called ‘singling out for demonization’, saying it’s morally reprehensible and historically false.
“The Igbo ethnic group, like every other major group in Nigeria, has contributed immensely to national development through industry, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and public service. To single them out for demonization is not only historically false but morally reprehensible.
It is deeply troubling that a cleric who ought to be a voice of moderation, spiritual guidance, and moral clarity has instead chosen to propagate sentiments that can incite hostility, deepen mistrust among ethnic groups, and sow seeds of discord in a country already battling ethnic tensions”.
The forum warned Primate Ayodele to desist henceforth from making derogatory speeches against the Igbo people highlighting that such utterances violated the ethical expectations of a religious leader.
“FOSAD therefore issues a firm warning to Primate Ayodele to desist henceforth from making hate speeches or derogatory statements against the Igbo people or any ethnic group in Nigeria. Such utterances violate the ethical expectations of religious leadership and contradict the message of peace and love that spiritual institutions are meant to uphold.
We call on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and other relevant religious bodies to caution Primate Ayodele and ensure that their members refrain from weaponizing religion against any section of the country”
Wondering why the Primate could make statements capable of fueling ethnic antagonism, FOSAD reassured that the Igbo people can never be intimidated, but remained committed to a peaceful and united Nigeria, built on the principles of equity and fairness.
“Nigeria cannot make meaningful progress if public figures especially clergy fuel ethnic antagonism from sacred platforms meant for worship and spiritual upliftment. FOSAD encourages Nigerians to remain vigilant against divisive rhetoric and to continue promoting unity, justice, and mutual respect among all ethnic groups.
The Igbo people will not be intimidated nor defined by hate speech. They remain committed to a peaceful, prosperous, and united Nigeria built on equity and fairness”.
