In a significant development concerning Nigeria's sovereignty and security dynamics, Primate Elijah Ayodele, the esteemed leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has issued a fresh and urgent warning to President Bola Tinubu. This caution comes amidst the controversial deployment of United States military personnel to Nigeria, a move framed within expanded cooperation against militant groups in West Africa but shadowed by contentious claims of a 'genocide' against Christians in the country.
Ayodele's Stern Advisory on Foreign Interference
Through a formal statement released on his church's official website on Tuesday, February 10, Primate Ayodele emphasized the critical need for vigilance among Nigerian stakeholders. He highlighted the potential risks posed by the interference of foreign actors, stressing that Nigeria, known for its resilience in the face of adversity, could face destabilization if the ongoing US air and ground strikes persist. Such actions, he warned, might inadvertently trigger another cycle of insecurity, undermining the nation's hard-won stability.
Direct Counsel to President Tinubu
Primate Ayodele's message to President Tinubu was unequivocal and personal. He urged the president to exercise extreme caution, advising him to remain true to his own convictions and avoid making decisions under external pressure. "Tinubu should be careful. He must let himself be himself," Ayodele stated, adding that the mounting pressure from the USA and other forces could lead to misguided steps. He emphasized the importance of firmness, deliberation, and authenticity in leadership, warning that yielding to compulsion or fear could result in costly mistakes.
Further elaborating, Ayodele noted, "I see him being pulled in different directions. If he allows this, mistakes will follow. He must remain firm, deliberate, and true to his own heart. Every move should come from his own understanding and spirit, not from fear or compulsion." He also cautioned Tinubu about the barrage of advice from various quarters, underscoring that only by staying grounded in his own principles could the president navigate this challenging period safely, with patience, caution, and consistency as key virtues.
Background: US Military Deployment and Genocide Allegations
The context of Ayodele's warning stems from recent military developments. On Tuesday, February 3, the general overseeing the US command for Africa confirmed the deployment of a small team of troops to Nigeria. This marks the first official acknowledgment of US forces on Nigerian soil since Washington's airstrikes on Christmas Day 2025, which targeted what were described as Islamic State (ISIS) affiliates in the region.
President Donald Trump, who ordered those airstrikes, indicated the possibility of further US military action in Nigeria. Additionally, reports from Reuters revealed that the US had been conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria from Ghana since at least late November. The general explained that the troop deployment followed a mutual agreement between both nations to enhance efforts in combating the terrorist threat in West Africa.
Controversial Claims and Government Response
Amidst these military maneuvers, the US has alleged a 'genocide' against Christians in Nigeria, a claim that has been firmly rejected by the Tinubu administration. This allegation adds a layer of complexity to the bilateral relations, raising concerns about the motivations behind the US involvement and its potential impact on Nigeria's internal affairs and religious harmony.
Primate Ayodele's intervention serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required in managing foreign partnerships while safeguarding national interests. His call for Tinubu to "be yourself, stay firm, and do not allow pressure to lead you astray" resonates as a crucial piece of advice in these turbulent times, highlighting the broader implications for Nigeria's security and political landscape.
