The Anglican Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has called on the country’s political class to adopt the selfless leadership style of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Speaking on the necessity of ethical governance, Ndukuba argued that true leadership is fundamentally rooted in service and sacrifice for the common good. He suggested that the current political culture often overlooks these essential qualities in favour of personal gain.
The Primate’s remarks, which compared Awolowo’s life to the example of Jesus Christ, pointed to a lack of such dedication among many contemporary leaders in Nigeria.
The legacy of selfless leadership
Ndukuba noted that Awolowo’s life was defined by a commitment to the welfare of others, a trait he believes is frequently missing in modern governance. By drawing a parallel between the late statesman and Christ, the Primate argued that leadership should be a platform for communal upliftment rather than a tool for individual accumulation.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo remains one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, recognised for his role in the nation’s independence and his pioneering social welfare programmes. His implementation of free primary education in the former Western Region is frequently cited as a benchmark for impactful governance. His political philosophy, centred on the empowerment of the masses through institutional reform, continues to serve as a reference point for social justice advocates across the country.
The call for a return to these principles arrives as Nigeria faces intense economic pressures and security challenges. Civil society groups and various community leaders have frequently demanded greater accountability from the government to address the rising cost of living and widespread social inequality.
Religious leaders in Nigeria have increasingly addressed matters of public policy, urging those in authority to focus on the needs of the most vulnerable citizens. Ndukuba’s comments serve as a direct challenge to policymakers to reconsider their approach to national service and the moral obligations of their offices.
The political class has yet to issue a formal collective response to the Primate’s observations. However, the statement is expected to fuel discussions regarding the ethical standards required to navigate the country’s current socio-political climate.
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