In a passionate address, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Dr. David Bob-Manuel, the Prelate of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, emphasized the vital role of the church in fostering good governance in Nigeria. This call to action was made during the seventh edition of the St. Moses Orimolade Memorial Lecture held in Lagos, themed “The Church as a Catalyst for Good Governance in Nigeria.” Both leaders urged religious institutions to take an active stance against bad governance.
Governor Adeleke, as the special guest of honor, articulated the urgent need for the church to raise its voice against societal injustices. “Silence by the church is not an option,” he stated emphatically. He urged the church to advocate for “free and fair elections, the dignity of all human beings, and the superiority of public good over private interests.” Adeleke highlighted that the church must champion respect for the constitution and the rule of law.
Addressing the obstacles to good governance, Adeleke declared, “As a sitting governor, I firmly believe the church should mount advocacy on what impedes good governance.” He listed issues such as “autocracy, dictatorship, culture of impunity, and corruption” as critical areas requiring the church’s intervention. He underscored the importance of the “fear of God in decision-making,” adding, “Public interest is our moral compass,” and attributing his leadership successes to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Bob-Manuel echoed these sentiments, identifying a lack of social and moral principles as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s leadership challenges. He asserted, “The church should do more to promote good principles,” emphasizing the need for religious institutions to instill moral values within the community. He described the church as a pivotal force in “character moulding” and shaping societal values.
Further elaborating on the church’s role, Bob-Manuel stated, “It is common knowledge that the continuity of any organization lies in its leadership.” He argued that the church must actively engage in social change, reinforcing that “the Church of God on earth was designed to be a place where morals are taught.” His remarks positioned the church as an essential player in improving Nigeria’s governance landscape.
The event also featured Dr. Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, who served as the guest speaker. He highlighted the church’s substantial role in achieving good governance. “The church should wake up; we have a huge role to play,” he urged, calling for spiritual awakening to liberate society from “spiritual darkness.”
Dr. Okoh further emphasized the importance of prioritizing the public interest in governance, stating, “My conviction is that people must be at the center of the governance process.” He reinforced the idea that effective policy-making should align with the aspirations and needs of the populace, urging church leaders to recognize their responsibility in guiding ethical governance.
