Following a meeting at the Domus Pacis Pastoral Institute in Igoba, Akure, the Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, representing the dioceses of Ibadan, Ilorin, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and Osogbo, have issued a communiqué addressing pressing church and national issues.
Protests in Nigeria: The bishops emphasized that protests are a fundamental right in a democratic society, meant to draw government attention to public grievances. While recognizing that protests alone do not solve problems, they stressed their importance as a last resort for the oppressed. The bishops urged protest organizers to ensure peaceful demonstrations and called on security forces to act with restraint to prevent violence.
Government Accountability: The bishops attributed the momentum of recent protests to the government’s failure to respond to the populace’s cries about hunger, insecurity, failed promises, high living costs, and ineffective governance. They called on federal, state, and local governments to address these issues promptly and effectively, warning that governance through palliatives and intimidation cannot provide lasting solutions.
Unity to Salvage Nigeria: The bishops, reflecting on Pope Francis’ celebration of grandparents and elders, called for national unity to overcome Nigeria’s challenges, which they attributed to greed, corruption, and poor work ethics rather than economic poverty. They urged all Nigerians to exhibit their true character and work together to restore the country, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play.
Respect for Religion: The bishops condemned the disrespectful depiction of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” with contemporary ideological figures at the 2024 Olympic Games in France. They warned against the growing trend of demeaning Christian themes and called for respect for religious sentiments, emphasizing that religion and spirituality play crucial roles in addressing fundamental issues of existence.
Year of Prayer and Jubilee of Hope: The bishops encouraged the faithful to observe the ongoing Year of Prayer leading up to the 2025 Jubilee of Hope, as declared by Pope Francis. They highlighted the importance of prayer in all endeavors and urged Nigerians to pray and fast for the country, trusting in God’s blessings and power.
Conclusion: The bishops reminded Nigerians of the need to persevere and maintain hope in God’s power. Quoting Saint Paul, they encouraged resilience and faith in overcoming the current hardships, affirming that the nation’s challenges can be surmounted through collective effort and divine support.
Signatories:
- Most Rev ‘Leke Gabriel Abegunrin, Chairman
- Most Rev John Akin Oyejola, Secretary
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