THIS DAWN — A wave of public outrage has trailed a recent statement credited to popular cleric Pastor Ayodele, in which he allegedly described the Igbo ethnic group as “the problem of Nigeria”.
Pastor Ayodele accused them of being “desperate for power,” and claimed that a supposed “curse” prevents them from producing a president unless it is “reversed.”
The remarks, widely circulated online, have sparked sharp condemnation from civil society groups, constitutional experts, and citizens across the country.
Among the most prominent voices reacting to the controversy is fiery journalist, Mr. Oseni Rufai.
Taking to his “X”, formerly Twitter handle, @ruffydfire, he asked:
“Primate Ayodele, why make such a hate filled statement?”
Omirhobo wades in
Lagos-based human rights lawyer and constitutional advocate, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, issued a strongly worded statement on Monday.
Chief Omirhobo described the pastor’s comments as “reckless, hateful, and constitutionally ignorant.”
According to Omirhobo, such statements are unacceptable from anyone, “much less a religious leader who ought to promote peace, unity, and national cohesion.”
Citing several provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the lawyer emphasised that Nigeria operates as a constitutional democracy, not “a spiritual monarchy guided by the personal prophecies of any individual.”
He noted that the Constitution guarantees equality of all citizens (Section 17), prohibits discrimination on the basis of ethnicity (Section 42), and affirms that sovereignty belongs to the people (Section 14).
Omirhobo criticised the pastor’s claims as dangerous, divisive, and inconsistent with both democratic principles and basic morality.
“To brand an entire ethnic group as a ‘problem’ is hate speech. To claim they are ‘cursed’ is irresponsible.
“To suggest that Igbos cannot lead Nigeria is a direct assault on national unity,” he said.
Omirhobo further highlighted the contributions of Igbo people to Nigeria’s social, economic, educational, and technological development.
He stressed that no ethnic group should be denigrated or stereotyped by individuals occupying influential platforms.
He warned that Nigeria has endured sufficient strain from ethnic tensions and should not be subjected to further division through inflammatory rhetoric, especially from religious figures with followers.
Omirhobo called Pastor Ayodele’s remarks “unbiblical, unconstitutional, incendiary, and morally reprehensible”.
He insisted that the pastor owes Igbo people— and the nation— an unreserved apology.
He concluded by reiterating that Nigeria belongs equally to all its ethnic groups, including Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Ijaw, Urhobo, Tiv, Kanuri, and others.
“No one is cursed. No group is superior. No prophet has the authority to rewrite the Constitution,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to collectively reject divisive utterances and uphold justice, inclusiveness, and respect for human dignity as the foundation of the country’s future.
More Nigerians blast Ayodele
Advocate, @EmmanuelAcheme:
“I look forward to seeing Ndigbo sue this wicked man for malicious assault and hate speech.
“People this man should be put in prison before he set this country on fire.”
Obiora Ojukwu, @zimuzor16:
“Ayodele is Nigeria’s Balaam. He’s been paid to curse God’s people. But a people God has blessed you cannot curse.
“He’d not have heard even if a donkey spoke to warn him. He’ll also go the way of Balaam in the end.”
Nwachukwu Samuel, @Primeconsult_:
“Primate Ayodele has said what he has in mind against the Igbo nation.
“He has identified with his brother, pastor Tunde Bakare who said that the Igbos are cursed and can’t rule Nigeria
“And both are pastors. Anyway, the bible says, “by their fruits, we shall know them.”
Anuo Daniel, @houseno40:
“From what we are observing since Tinubu took over power in Nigeria, it’s now clear that the Yorubas were the real haters of Ndigbo but using the Hausa Fulani as a cover.
“Since the Yorubas took over power, Ndigbo are facing more persecutions ranging from the judiciary to others.”
