- US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Nigeria after accusing the FG of supporting genocide against Christians in the country
- Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), suspended arms sales and technical support for the country
- Outspoken cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele reacted, advising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to beg Trump
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over nine years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria.
Oke Afa, Lagos state – Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, has advised President Bola Tinubu not to beg the United States (US) President Donald Trump over the recent military threats against Nigeria due to alleged targeted killings of Christians.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 4, signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, and sent to Legit.ng, Primate Ayodele urged Tinubu not to put himself in a position where he will be at Trump’s mercy.
Source: Facebook
The cleric counselled President Tinubu to quickly fix Nigeria’s lingering security challenges ‘because it will affect his chances in the 2027 elections’.
Ayodele’s past warning to Tinubu
Furthermore, the prophet shared that he had warned years ago that insecurity would affect Tinubu’s administration, but he was reportedly ignored. He called on President Tinubu to swiftly address it; ‘otherwise, he (Tinubu) will have serious issues’.
Primate Ayodele said:
“Don’t travel to go and beg Trump, he wants to make money. Tinubu shouldn’t be at his mercy; rather, he should go to God and work well on insecurity. I have said that insecurity will cause his government a lot; all he needs to do is wake up, ensure he tackles security well.”
‘Nigeria’s issue is beyond genocide’ – Ayodele
Furthermore, Primate Ayodele stated that Nigeria’s issue is beyond genocide, adding that it is just an excuse Trump wants to use to allegedly negotiate for Nigeria’s resources. He urged Tinubu to be patient because ‘he will be given different options, which he needs to be careful about to avoid doing the wrong thing’.
Primate Ayodele said:
“The matter of Nigeria is beyond genocide. Tinubu isn’t Trump’s friend from the outset, and what the US wants to do is negotiate with Tinubu for Nigeria’s resources. This matter needs to be addressed with patience because they will give Tinubu different options, but he must not do the wrong thing.”
Source: Getty Images
‘Trump’s concern isn’t genuine’ – Ayodele
Additionally, Ayodele said Nigeria can solve its problems if the government is truly ready, while noting that Trump’s concern is not a genuine one.
His words:
“It is only Nigeria that can solve its problems; a stranger cannot solve problems for Nigeria. Trump is not God, he just wants to make money. He is an oppressor. If the US has a genuine mission, they should work with the Nigerian government; the threat was unnecessary.”
Legit.ng recalls that on Saturday, November 1, Trump asked the US Department of War to prepare for “possible action” in Nigeria. Trump warned the Nigerian government to act fast to end the “killing of Christians” in the country.
He had also called Nigeria a “disgraced country”.
The Nigerian federal government (FG) has repeatedly baulked at claims of a Christian genocide in the country.
Legit.ng reports that attacks in Nigeria have varying motives. There are religiously motivated attacks targeting both Christians and Muslims, clashes between farmers and herders over dwindling resources, communal rivalries, secessionist groups and ethnic clashes.
While Christians are among those targeted, analysts say the majority of victims of armed groups are Muslims in Nigeria’s Muslim-majority north, where most attacks occur.
US threats: Expert offers counsel
Meanwhile, Dr. Murtala Adogi, the founder of System Strategy and Policy Lab (SSPL), an Abuja-based policy think-tank, waded in by recommending “three quick wins and practical measures” that can help ease rising tensions.
Adogi asked the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, appoint ambassadors for Nigeria across the world, especially in the US. This, he said, will improve Nigeria’s engagement in the international community to foster diplomatic relations, promote mutual understanding, and advocate for the country’s interests in negotiating agreements and resolving disputes.
He wrote across his social media pages:
“The world is watching — not for our words, but for the concrete actions we take to confront the issues before us.
1. Faith and Diplomacy at Work
“Form a high-level delegation of respected religious leaders to spearhead diplomatic engagement. Working through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., the delegation should hold direct consultations with the U.S. State Department to clarify facts, correct misconceptions, and strengthen Nigeria’s international standing.
2. Clear the Forests, Secure the Nation.
“Launch coordinated, intelligence-driven security operations across forest corridors, especially in the North-Central states, Northwest and Northeast The mission – to dismantle bandit networks, reclaim ungoverned spaces, and restore safety to rural communities — firmly, lawfully, and strategically.
3. Truth and Trust Through Interfaith Accountability.
“Immediately establish and inaugurate an Independent Inter-Faith Technical Working Group (IITWG) to conduct an impartial, evidence-based review of religious-related violence and justice systems. The group will audit security responses, interfaith councils, and peace mechanisms — rebuilding confidence through transparency and reform.”
Read more on the US’ threats to Nigeria here:
2027 election: Ayodele says Trump is desperate
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Primate Ayodele alleged that Trump is “desperate”.
He urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to be wary.
Source: Legit.ng
