Oluchi Oparah, a former National Treasurer of the Labour Party, has condemned controversial remarks 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 Igbos 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 problem of Nigeria, while absolving other ethnic groups of responsibility for the country’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 political propaganda disguised as divine insight.
“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.”
She added that a true man of God should build peace, defend the oppressed, and carry responsibility — not 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,” Oparah urged.
She explained that Nigeria is tired of religious leaders who use fear to manipulate followers, who twist scriptures to serve political interests, and who scatter instead of gather.
“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 said.
