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Oluchi Oparah, former National Treasurer of the Labour Party, has strongly criticised controversial statements made by Prophet Primate Ayodele, accusing the spiritual leader of promoting ethnic division under the guise of prophecy.
In a video circulating widely on social media, Primate Ayodele declared that the Igbo people are “cursed” and claimed they could never produce a Nigerian president, even with a thousand Peter Obis.
He further alleged that the Igbos are the source of Nigeria’s problems, while absolving other ethnic groups of responsibility for the nation’s challenges.
Oparah described Ayodele’s statements as “embarrassing, reckless, and unbecoming of someone who claims to stand on God’s altar.” She emphasised that religious leaders have a moral duty to speak truth, justice, and compassion, rather than sow hatred or use political propaganda disguised as divine insight.
She said, “Your constant attacks on the Igbo people and your careless prophecies that promote tribal hostility have become embarrassing, reckless, and completely unbecoming of someone who claims to stand on God’s altar. A man of God should speak truth, justice, and compassion — not hatred, not division, and certainly not political propaganda disguised as prophecy.”
“Your obsession with making political statements while ignoring the real suffering in this country is shameful and embarrassing. Banditry is destroying communities. Hunger is killing families. Insecurity is gripping Nigeria.”
“Yet instead of using your platform to condemn injustice or demand accountability from those in power, you have chosen the weaker path: attacking an innocent tribe that has committed no crime other than existing, a tribe that has contributed immensely to the unity, growth, and economy of this nation.”
Oparah added that a true man of God should build peace, defend the oppressed, and act responsibly, rather than foment tribal bitterness.
“If politics excites you so much, then stop pretending. Resign from the altar and declare your political ambition openly. But do not continue hiding behind ‘prophecy’ to push dangerous rhetoric that threatens national unity,” she urged.
She explained that Nigerians are tired of religious leaders who use fear to manipulate followers, twist scriptures for political ends, and divide instead of unite.
“You are contributing to the very problems you claim to see. You are tearing down the same nation you claim to pray for.”
“A true man of God builds peace. A true prophet defends the oppressed. A true spiritual leader carries responsibility — not tribal bitterness.”
“So choose your path now: Either speak as a true messenger of God, or leave the altar and face politics like every other politician. But this double life of mixing prophecy with tribalism must end,” she concluded.
