Primate Elijah Ayodele, Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has attributed Nigeria’s persistent hardship to corrupt leadership.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ayodele asserted that the nation’s progress remains elusive due to the systemic dominance of unethical leaders.
“Corrupt leaders are the reason Nigeria is going through hard times at the moment,” he stated. “It’s impossible for a corrupt leader to make the country better because all he would be thinking about is how much he can make from the country.”
Speaking through his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele lamented the entrenched corruption in the political system.
He described the presidency as unattainable for righteous individuals under the current framework.
The outspoken cleric contended that Nigeria’s system favours the morally compromised. “It is only a criminal that can be a president in Nigeria,” Ayodele declared.
“The presidency is not for holy or good people. If you are righteous, you can never become a president in Nigeria. If you don’t have a lion’s heart, you cannot be somebody in Nigeria.”
Systemic Corruption Hinders Change, Says Ayodele
Ayodele further criticised the nation’s anti-corruption efforts, arguing that they are inadequate in a system designed to perpetuate corruption.
“I am not surprised we don’t have leaders that fear God. Any God-fearing person will not even be allowed to get to the top,” he explained.
He added that political leaders often engage in religious activities for political gains, not out of genuine faith.
The cleric’s remarks underscore growing public frustration over governance and corruption in Nigeria.
