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 Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
A small-scale grocery seller from Plateau State, Ejiofor Akujieze, has emerged the grand prize winner of ₦5 million in the Golden Morn Golden Hunt, a nationwide consumer campaign by Nestlé Nigeria that rewarded Nigerians with a total of ₦80 million in cash and prizes.
Akujieze, who expressed surprise at his win, described the moment as life-changing. “It came as a shock to me. I won ₦5 million, and it will go a long way. I am very grateful,” he said, noting that the prize will support the expansion of his grocery business.
The Golden Morn Golden Hunt, which commenced in January 2026, recorded strong participation from consumers across the country, with over 200,000 entries received. Designed around Golden Morn’s smaller, affordable pack sizes to encourage wider participation, the campaign made it easier for more Nigerians to take part. At the end of seven draws, a total of 16,324 winners emerged, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦1 million, alongside airtime rewards and exciting items such as washing machines, MacBooks, iPhones, and 55-inch televisions, in addition to the grand prize.
Speaking on the campaign, Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Healthy Cereals at Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to connect more closely with consumers while giving them an opportunity to experience the brand.
“Golden Morn has been part of everyday life for Nigerian families, and with the Golden Hunt, we wanted more people to experience that,” he said. “It gave both our loyal consumers and new ones the opportunity to enjoy a nourishing product that fits into their daily routines, while also being rewarded in a simple and accessible way.”
Also speaking, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for consumers beyond its products.
“For over 40 years, Golden Morn has been nourishing Nigerian families and earning their trust,” he said. “The Golden Hunt was our way of recognising that trust and giving back in a way that is meaningful and inclusive. What has been most inspiring are the real stories behind the wins, how this has made a difference in people’s lives. That is what truly matters to us.”
Golden Morn, a cherished homegrown brand, continues to provide wholesome nourishment made from carefully selected grains. It is enriched through its Grain Smart blend, which combines essential vitamins and minerals to support energy and overall wellbeing for individuals and families.
Through initiatives like the Golden Hunt, Nestlé Nigeria continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while delivering on its commitment to providing accessible, nutritious food and supporting thriving communities across the country.
