Politics
Religion, Tribalism, and Political Issues Affecting Nigerians at Home and Abroad
Religion, Tribalism, and Political Issues Affecting Nigerians at Home and Abroad
By George O. Sylvester
Nigeria, a nation blessed with vast natural resources, a rich cultural heritage, and a resilient people, faces significant challenges that threaten its very foundation. As former President Olusegun Obasanjo once noted,
“Nigeria is a complex country, and we have to be careful not to allow our diversity to become a source of weakness, but rather a source of strength.”
Unfortunately, instead of being a unifying force, Nigeria’s diversity has increasingly become a source of division, with religion, tribalism, and politics driving deep wedges between its people.
Religion: A Tool for Unity or Division?
Religion plays a significant role in the lives of Nigerians, shaping their values, governance, and social interactions. The country is almost evenly split between Christians and Muslims, with a minority practicing indigenous religions. While faith should ideally promote peace and moral conduct, Nigeria’s religious landscape has often been a battleground for political influence, social conflict, and even violence.
Religious differences have contributed to some of the country’s worst crises, from the 1966 coup and the subsequent civil war to the rise of extremist groups like Boko Haram. The insurgency, which started in the northeast, has left tens of thousands dead and displaced millions. However, religious tension is not confined to terrorism; periodic clashes between Christian and Muslim communities over land, politics, and governance have occurred in states like Kaduna, Plateau, and Benue.
Yet, the Quran reminds us:
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” — (Quran 49:13)
Similarly, the Bible teaches:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — (Galatians 3:28)
Despite these messages of unity, religious leaders and politicians frequently exploit religious sentiments to gain followers and suppress opposition. Churches and mosques often serve as political arenas where leaders mobilize their congregations for electoral victories rather than promoting national unity. The recent controversy over Muslim-Muslim or Christian-Christian ticket debates in presidential elections further exemplifies how religion is often weaponized in Nigerian politics.
However, there have been instances where religion has fostered peace and unity. Initiatives such as interfaith dialogues, the National Mosque and National Christian Centre collaborations, and efforts by organizations like the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) have attempted to bridge the divide. If more religious leaders advocate for unity rather than division, Nigeria could harness its religious diversity for progress rather than conflict.
Tribalism and Political Struggles
Tribalism has long been a significant factor in Nigeria’s political and social landscape. With over 250 ethnic groups, Nigeria is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. The three largest groups—the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo—dominate national politics, often to the detriment of smaller ethnic minorities.
Since gaining independence in 1960, ethnic loyalties have frequently overshadowed national interests. The civil war (1967–1970) between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra was one of the most devastating consequences of ethnic tensions. Although the war ended over 50 years ago, ethnic grievances persist. Many Igbos feel politically marginalized, while the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani continue to dominate the political scene.
Ethnic-based political alliances have also fueled corruption and nepotism. Political parties in Nigeria often reflect ethnic interests rather than ideological differences. Leaders distribute resources and political appointments based on tribal affiliations rather than competence, leading to inefficiency in governance. The persistent calls for restructuring and self-determination by groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Oduduwa Republic movement highlight the dissatisfaction of many ethnic groups with the current federal structure.
Even among Nigerians in the diaspora, ethnic divisions remain evident. Rather than uniting as one Nigerian community, ethnic groups frequently organize their separate events and institutions. A striking example of this division was seen in the recent passport intervention program in South Africa, which was designed to assist Nigerians abroad with passport renewal and other consular services. Unfortunately, the program was marred by controversy and infighting, with different ethnic and interest groups vying for control and influence, further highlighting the deep-seated divisions among Nigerians.
Politics and the Struggle for Power
Political instability has been a major hindrance to Nigeria’s development. The country has experienced multiple military coups, civilian regimes plagued by corruption, and electoral malpractices that undermine democratic principles. Despite transitioning to democracy in 1999, the political landscape remains fragile, with widespread voter suppression, election violence, and allegations of rigging.
One of Nigeria’s major political issues is the failure of leadership to address the country’s socio-economic challenges. Politicians often prioritize personal and ethnic interests over national development. The lack of accountability has led to widespread corruption, with billions of dollars stolen from public coffers while basic amenities such as electricity, healthcare, and education remain underfunded.
Additionally, political power struggles have fueled violence across the country. The farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Belt, banditry in the Northwest, and the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta all have political undertones. Many of these conflicts are exacerbated by poor governance, economic hardship, and a lack of political will to address root causes.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the need for electoral reforms, stronger institutions, and credible leadership has never been more critical. The success of the 2023 general elections demonstrated some progress, with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) reducing electoral fraud. However, more needs to be done to ensure free and fair elections that reflect the people’s will.
A Call for Unity and National Consensus
To overcome these challenges, Nigerians—both at home and abroad—must come together to forge a new national consensus, one that prioritizes unity, inclusivity, and the common good. As former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated,
“Nigeria’s future is bright, but we must work together to achieve it.
”
Similarly, Nigerian-American writer Teju Cole observed,
“The Nigerian diaspora is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, and we must find ways to navigate its complexities.”
For Nigeria to progress, certain key actions must be taken:
1. Promoting National Identity Over Ethnic Loyalty
Nigeria must foster a national identity that transcends tribal and religious lines. This can be achieved through inclusive policies, unbiased historical education, and national programs that encourage unity.
2. Strengthening Institutions and the Rule of Law
A strong legal system that holds leaders accountable will reduce corruption and ensure that governance benefits all Nigerians, not just a privileged few. Electoral reforms and anti-corruption measures must be enforced to restore faith in the government.
3. Encouraging Religious Tolerance and Interfaith Dialogue
Religious leaders and institutions must actively promote peace, coexistence, and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse faith communities. Interfaith initiatives should be expanded to bridge divides and counteract extremist ideologies.
4. Fostering Unity Among the Nigerian Diaspora
Nigerians abroad should see themselves as ambassadors of one nation, rather than representatives of separate ethnic groups. The diaspora can play a key role in national development through investments, knowledge transfer, and advocacy for democratic governance.
5. Ensuring Economic and Social Development
Economic disparity is a major driver of conflict. Policies that promote job creation, education, and poverty alleviation will help reduce the frustration that fuels religious extremism and ethnic tension.
Conclusion
Now is the time for Nigerians—both within the country and in the diaspora—to rise above divisions and work toward a brighter, more unified future. Nigeria has the potential to be a global powerhouse, but only if its people can look beyond their differences and work together for the common good.
The road to unity is not easy, but as history has shown, great nations are built not on division, but on the strength of a united people. Nigerians must choose whether to be held back by their differences or to embrace their diversity as a tool for progress. The choice is clear: unity, peace, and development must take precedence over tribalism, religious intolerance, and political selfishness. Only then can Nigeria fulfill its vast potential and become the great country its people deserve.
Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens
By Femi Oyewale
Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.
Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.
Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.
Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood
The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:
• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.
• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.
• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.
Philanthropy and institution building
Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.
What makes him unique
Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:
1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).
2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.
3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.
The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism
To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.
Looking ahead
As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.
Politics
BABATUNDE OLAOGUN STORMS LAUTECH; GIFTS DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKABLE TOOLS
BABATUNDE OLAOGUN STORMS LAUTECH; GIFTS DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKABLE TOOLS
In a remarkable display of commitment to academic excellence and community development, Hon. Babatunde Olaogun, a distinguished alumnus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), has gifted the Department of Business Administration with state-of-the-art workable tools such as stationery items which includes several reams of A4 papers, detachable whiteboards. permanent markers, temporary markers among others things.
Olaogun also added that as part of his commitment to ensuring that students of the department enjoys first class academic infrastructure, a contemporary projector facility would be delivered to the department in no distant time courtesy of his humble self to further enhance ease during presentation of seminar and projects.
The donation ceremony was graced by eminent personalities at the department, including Prof. (Mrs) Ojokuku, Prof. Adegoroye and Dr. (Mrs.) Akanbi who warmly received Mr. Olaogun. The trio of the reverred academics thanked Mr. Olaogun for his commitment to good causes and urged him to continue doing even more good for the university, Ogbomoso in particular, Oyo State and the entire nation at large.
In their goodwill message, Prof. Ojokuku and Prof. Adegoroye also counseled Mr. Olaogun to stay focused and not be swayed by naysayers who may seek to tarnish his reputation. They further encouraged him to carry along, students of Public Administration from LAUTECH, with a view to a availing them practical skills and knowledge essential for their success in their future endeavors.
The Department of Business Administration is thrilled to receive this donation and looks forward to leveraging these tools to improve academic outcomes and produce highly skilled graduates.
Mr. Olaogun’s gesture is a shining example of the university’s alumni community’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
OGUN VISIONARIES CONGRATULATE SENATOR YAYI ON BIRTHDAY.
A socio political group Ogun Visionaries For Yayi, has felicitated with her principal and Senator representing Ogun West at the red chamber, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as he celebrates his birthday.
Solomon Yayi has been described as an illustrious Ogun Son, who is ever committed to the reformation of Ogun State and Nigeria.
According to the statement by the State Director General Hon. Odunjo issued on behalf of the group thanked Senator Yayi, for his outstanding transformation of the entire Ogun West and the State in general, his people oriented law making and contributions to the development of Ogun West , the State and Nigeria in general.
The group described Senator Yayi as a thorough bred politician, an epitome of humility, a game changer and lover of the people, while urging him to sustain his contributions to humanity.
The Visionaries for Senator Yayi noted that the Senator has brought his political experience to bear on the various constituency projects spread across the state.
The Socio Political group also lauded the technocrat-turned politician for his charming and urbane disposition to the discharge of his responsibility as a law maker representing Ogun West and as Chairman, Senate Committee on appropriation.
“Senator, Chief Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has continued to blaze the trail by providing and offering leadership at various levels of governance, the maverick Senator has continued to serve his people well without relenting”.
“He has continued to provide sound and relevant legislation at different times and we thank you for always being there for us”.
Over the years, you have carved a niche for yourself by dint of hard work and discipline, maintaining a charismatic and unblemished leadership style that has endeared you to many Ogun West residents, entire State and Nigerians in general”.
“You have exhibited absolute leadership traits of a man committed to doing things differently as it is in developed and organised climes”.
“On behalf of all of us in Visionaries for Senator Yayi, we congratulate you Our dear leader, brother and friend, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola on the occasion of your 56th birth anniversary”.
“In the past 56 years, your family and indeed, your political and associates and admirers have caused to be grateful to Almighty God for having granted you a life of great accomplishments and abiding fulfillment”.
-
society5 months agoRamadan Relief: Matawalle Distributes Over ₦1 Billion to Support 2.5 Million Zamfara Residents
-
Politics2 months agoNigeria Is Not His Estate: Wike’s 2,000‑Hectare Scandal Must Shake Us Awake
-
society4 months agoBroken Promises and Broken Backs: The ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Law and the Betrayal of Nigerian Workers
-
society3 months agoOGUN INVESTS OVER ₦2.25 BILLION TO BOOST AQUACULTURE