Oluchi Oparah, a former National Treasurer of the Labour Party, has strongly condemned controversial remarks by Prophet Primate Ayodele, accusing the spiritual leader of using his platform to sow ethnic division under the guise of prophecy.

A video circulating widely on social media shows Primate Ayodele declaring that Igbos are “cursed” and asserting that 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 the statements as “embarrassing, reckless, and unbecoming of someone who claims to stand on God’s altar,” emphasising that religious leaders have a moral duty to speak truth, justice, and compassion, rather than promote hatred or political propaganda.

She said,

“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.”

Oparah added that while Nigeria grapples with banditry, hunger, and insecurity, Ayodele has chosen to attack an innocent ethnic group instead of condemning injustice or demanding accountability from those in power.

“A true man of God builds peace, defends the oppressed, and carries responsibility—not tribal bitterness. If politics excites you so much, then stop pretending. Resign from the altar and declare your political ambition openly. Do not hide behind ‘prophecy’ to push dangerous rhetoric that threatens national unity,” she urged.

She further warned that religious leaders who manipulate followers with fear and twist scriptures for political interests are contributing to the very problems they claim to see.

“You are tearing down the same nation you claim to pray for. So choose your path now: either speak as a true messenger of God, or leave the altar and face politics like every other politician. This double life of mixing prophecy with tribalism must end,” Oparah concluded.