Catholic Priest Calls for Accountability as He Condemns Primate Ayodele Over Alleged Anti Igbo Remarks

A Catholic missionary priest based in Brazil, Rev. Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, has strongly criticised the Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, over comments he allegedly made about the Igbo ethnic group. The cleric made the remarks in a Facebook post on Tuesday, expressing deep concern about what he described as statements capable of fuelling ethnic division in Nigeria.

Fr. Mbaeri accused Primate Ayodele of making claims that the Igbo people were under a curse and needed to cleanse themselves before being able to attain the Nigerian presidency. He argued that such statements amount to ethnic profiling, warning that no religious figure should make sweeping generalisations about an entire group, especially in a multi ethnic country with longstanding political and cultural sensitivities.

The Catholic priest described the alleged remarks as reckless and potentially dangerous, noting that at a time when the country faces numerous social and political tensions, religious leaders should act as agents of peace, unity and healing. Instead, he said, Ayodele’s alleged comments could escalate distrust and fuel resentment among communities.

Fr. Mbaeri further questioned Primate Ayodele’s credibility, referencing what he described as many failed prophecies in the past. He suggested that the cleric was resorting to controversial and inflammatory statements in an effort to remain relevant in the public space. According to him, such actions do more harm than good, especially when they come from individuals who command large audiences and influence.

Expressing concern for worshippers who listen to such statements, Mbaeri said that religious leaders hold significant power over their congregations and must exercise restraint and responsibility in their public declarations. He noted that statements portraying an ethnic group as spiritually defective or inherently disadvantaged promote negative stereotypes and distort national discourse.

The priest warned that comments of this nature could have serious implications. He explained that when ethnic related assertions are delivered from a pulpit or under the guise of spiritual revelation, they can shape opinions, increase prejudice and widen social divides. He stressed that such sentiments should not be ignored because they have the potential to disrupt peace and further strain fragile inter ethnic relationships.

Mbaeri also urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to hold Ayodele accountable, arguing that unchecked inflammatory remarks can undermine national peace efforts. He said Nigeria is already grappling with numerous security, political and economic challenges and does not need additional tension arising from divisive rhetoric by public figures.

He added that while religious leaders are free to express their spiritual views, they must do so with a sense of responsibility and awareness of the country’s complex social fabric. According to him, any statement, prophecy or sermon that fuels suspicion or hostility among ethnic groups should be addressed promptly to prevent further escalation.

Mbaeri concluded by urging religious figures across the country to promote unity, tolerance and mutual respect in their teachings, warning that the misuse of spiritual authority to propagate ethnic narratives can have long term negative consequences for the nation.