Metro
‘Tribal Bigot’, Catholic Priest Lashes Out at Primate Ayodele over Derogatory Comment Against Igbo
Brazil-based Catholic Missionary Priest, Rev. Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, has criticised the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, over comments he made about the Igbo.
In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, Mbaeri described Ayodele as a “tribal bigot” and urged the Federal Government to hold him accountable for statements he said were capable of inciting ethnic tension.
The priest faulted Ayodele’s alleged claim that Igbo people were under a “curse” and needed to “cleanse” themselves before they could attain the presidency, saying such remarks were reckless and amounted to hate-leaning speech against an ethnic group.
According to Mbaeri, the comments promote negative stereotypes and undermine national unity at a time when religious leaders should be advocating peace and cohesion.
The cleric also questioned Ayodele’s credibility, alleging that the cleric was resorting to inflammatory remarks in search of relevance following “many failed prophecies.”
Mbaeri expressed concern for Ayodele’s congregation, insisting that a leader who makes such ethnic statements from the pulpit requires “correction and accountability.”
He wrote: “Another tribal bigot that the Federal Government ought to arrest is this so-called Primate Ayodele!
“At a time like this when religious leaders should be working for national healing, calming ethnic tensions, and teaching unity, this one is busy throwing petrol into the fire and spreading ethnic hostility under the cover of “prophecy.”
“This same man publicly declared that the Igbo people are under a “curse” and that until they “cleanse” themselves, the presidency will always elude them. Imagine that level of recklessness. Instead of addressing real issues like capacity, competence, electoral systems, or national policies, he reduces an entire ethnic group to some imaginary spiritual defect. This tribal profiling derives itself from religion and prophecy.
“Who even gave him the authority to tag over 40 million Nigerians as “cursed”? What he did fits the exact definition of hate-leaning speech aimed at an ethnic group. After many failed prophecies of his and with the thoughts of not gaining relevance, he believes that spewing hate speeches would give him clout?
“The implication of such a statement is dangerous because it feeds division, poisons minds and makes one tribe look inferior or disqualified from national leadership, thus, promoting negative stereotypes. And because it comes from someone calling himself a “spiritual leader,” people who don’t know better may take it seriously.
“Honestly, I pity his congregation. How can people listen to this kind of talk every week and still think they’re receiving direction? A leader who stands on a pulpit to insult an entire ethnic group needs correction, accountability, not microphone privileges.
“Nigeria is already struggling with enough tension. The last thing we need is another man in a religious attire dragging hatred into public discourse. If he wants to do politics, let him join a party. If he wants to talk spirituality and act like a seer, let him leave ethnicity out of it. But to stand on a platform and say the Igbo people are blocked from leadership because of “a curse” is sheer irresponsibility.
“He should face the consequences of his words, because sentiments like this have torn nations apart. Enough is enough!”
The Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has declared one Iroegbu Alexandra Chisom aka Biggy or Omoba Salvage wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy and murder, according to a Wanted Notice issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, Panti, Yaba, and made available to National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
The notice informed that the Warrant of Arrest was issued against the suspect by the Federal High Court, Lagos.
Iirogbu, 30, is wanted for stabbing one Mr. Olusanya to death with a jackknife at Pearl Service Apartment, Lekki, Ajah, Lagos State.
Iroegbu Alexandra Chisom, according to the notice, “is Igbo by tribe, aged 30, Height 1.82, Heavily Built, oval face, long broad nose, large mouth, thick lips, good teeth, white and black eyes, dark in complexion, round chin, thick hair, large head, high forehead, deformities limping in one of the legs, very vocal in habit, normal youth dress.
“His last known address is 23 Road X Close Block 1 Flat 3 Area 1, FESTAC Town, Lagos State, Nigeria.”
“If seen, arrest and hand over to the nearest Police Station or to the Lagos State CID, Panti Lagos.’
The FRSC Lagos Sector Command’s Spokesperson, SRC Oluwadamilola Jayeola has extended hearty congratulatory messages to the duo of DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi and Superintendent Route Commander AD Odunsi-Oyewole, on their various appointments as the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun Police Command, and Public Education Officer of the FRSC Ogun Sector Command respectively.
SRC Jayeola described both appointments as well-deserved, noting that the duo bring to their new responsibilities proven professionalism, depth of experience, and strong commitment to public service.
She emphasized that effective public communication remains critical to public safety, security awareness, and trust-building, particularly in a strategic state like Ogun, which serves as a major transit corridor between Lagos and other parts of the country.
SRC Jayeola expressed confidence that the synergy between the FRSC Ogun Sector Command and the Ogun State Police Command, through their Public Relations and Public Education Officers, will further strengthen inter-agency collaboration, improve information management, and enhance public enlightenment on road safety and security matters across the state.
She assured both officers of her full support and readiness to sustain a cordial and productive working relationship, stressing that cooperation, information sharing, and mutual support among sister agencies remain vital to achieving safer roads and a more secure society.
SRC Jayeola wished Superintendent Route Commander AD Odunsi-Oyewole and DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi a successful tenure, marked by impact, professionalism, and excellent service delivery to the people of Ogun State.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has argued that no court restrained it from enforcing the tinted glass permit regulation, maintaining that the directive remains valid until a competent judicial pronouncement rules otherwise.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made the clarification while addressing journalists during the presentation of criminal suspects arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team.
He stated that the police would continue enforcement of the tinted glass permit order, stressing that there had been no judicial directive halting the exercise.
Hundeyin explained that criminal groups had exploited previous pauses in enforcement to commit violent crimes, including kidnapping and armed attacks.
He cited a recent incident in Edo State where a Lexus SUV with tinted windows allegedly refused to stop at a checkpoint, leading to a pursuit during which its occupants opened fire on officers, killing a police inspector and injuring others.
He further clarified that the earlier suspension of enforcement announced by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had been misinterpreted by sections of the public and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
“The Inspector-General of Police, out of respect and understanding, temporarily suspended enforcement to give Nigerians additional time to regularise their tinted glass permits.
That decision was not based on any court order but was a discretionary move to accommodate public concerns,” Hundeyin said.
Acknowledging that the matter is before the courts, Hundeyin noted that the legal process has been slow. He stressed that, pending any contrary ruling, the police would continue enforcement.
“The position remains that enforcement continues until a court directs otherwise. At no point did any court restrain the Nigeria Police Force or the Inspector-General of Police from implementing the tinted glass permit order,” he added.
Responding to reports that the NBA may initiate contempt proceedings against the Inspector-General over the renewed enforcement, Hundeyin said the police legal department would address any action if it arises.
He reiterated that enforcement of the tinted glass permit was necessary for public safety, particularly in curbing crimes committed with vehicles whose occupants are concealed.
The police position comes amid growing debate between the Force and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has argued that the policy is unconstitutional and currently subject to litigation.
