Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has described Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary as a period of “bondage,” warning that the nation remains on a dangerous path without unity, peace, or genuine progress.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele lamented that despite decades of independence, Nigeria is “sitting on a time bomb.”
“At 65, we are still not better; those who fought recklessly for our independence have not been fully appreciated,” Ayodele said. “Our independence is bondage for us; we are in a serious situation where there is no rest of mind and peace, for how long do we continue to pass through all of these?”
The cleric decried the country’s style of governance, accusing leaders of neglecting past heroes and failing to confront pressing challenges. He identified five critical areas requiring urgent attention: insecurity, production, mineral resource utilisation, agriculture, and true federalism.
Ayodele warned that without reforms in these sectors, Nigeria risks deeper crises, including tribal wars, poor governance, and growing disunity.
“A lot of people are praying for separation; they have seen the government as without direction, there is tribal war, and I doubt if we are improving because we are not committed. Nigeria is in a very difficult independence moment, and we are sitting on a time bomb,” he added.
